Judge reluctantly frees alleged thief
A judge reluctantly agreed this week to free a Cortez man charged with auto theft and criminal mischief.
Chief District Court Judge Doug Walker blasted prosecutors on Tuesday, June 23, after they announced that Travis Hooker, 20, would be placed on diversion for 12 months. Walker dismissed the case, saying he didn’t have prosecutorial discretion.
“The court does not approve of this type of agreement,” said Walker.
Walker went on to question whether area law enforcement officials should “sit back and drink coffee” if the District Attorney’s Office was going to continuously opt not to prosecute cases.
“We’re giving young men an open license to commit any crime they want in Montezuma County,” Walker said.
Because of the defendant’s young age, Assistant District Attorney Sean Murray explained that Hooker was incapable to think and act rationally, and a year of probation would provide greater rehabilitative efforts.
According to prosecutors, Hooker’s criminal record dates back to 2011, when as a juvenile he was convicted of similar charges.
Felon pleads guilty in weapons case
A convicted felon pleaded guilty to a weapons charge last week after holding a woman against her will in January.
Appearing out of custody, Maurice Nat, 23, of Cortez pleaded guilty to possession of a weapon by a convicted felony on June 18. The plea deal includes a cap of 30 days in jail. Sentencing was set for Aug. 18.
Court officials said Nat was previously convicted for aggravated motor vehicle theft.