A Montezuma County couple have been arrested on multiple charges, including the alleged theft of a horse trailer belonging to a local judge.
Jeremy Potter, 40, and Melissa Lukas, 32, were each charged with two counts of felony theft after they allegedly stole a vehicle, horse trailer, ATV and riding gear belonging to Montezuma County Court Judge JenniLynn Lawrence in October. The reported stolen items were subsequently seized from the defendants’ home on County Road 27 by the Montezuma County Sheriff’s Office.
According to court records, Lukas reportedly admitted to authorities that she and Potter stole the horse trailer, which included the ATV and riding gear, from the driveway of Lawrence’s Mancos home. The duo reportedly stole the trailer so they could relocate to Nevada. The alleged victims were not at home on the day in question.
The duo is also charged in another case involving the theft of welding equipment from a neighbor in October. The stolen merchandise in that case was later recovered from separate pawnshops in New Mexico, according to court records.
After recusals from both judges and prosecutors in the 22nd Judicial District, the case involving Lawrence has been transferred to the 6th Judicial District in Durango. Judge William Herringer is presiding over the case, which is being prosecuted by District Attorney Todd Risberg.
Currently incarcerated on a parole board hold, Potter remains in custody at the Montezuma County jail after his request to be transferred and held in La Plata County was denied. Citing a Montezuma County jailer was romantically involved with his ex-wife, Potter claimed he was receiving “unfair and unequal” treatment in the Montezuma County jail.
Lukas, free on a $5,000 bond, and Potter were both arrested with the cooperation of a confidential informant. Records show the informant has helped sheriff deputies on eight theft cases this year.
Both defendants are scheduled to appear before Herringer for a possible plea deal on Dec. 30.
tbaker@cortezjournal.com