Overview

• The Colorado Bureau of Investigation charged Tyra Marie Avila, 47, with theft, cybercrime, embezzlement of public property, forgery, and misdemeanor fraud by check.
• Investigators allege she diverted more than $26,000 from USDA loans and grants for Aguilar’s augmentation reservoir into personal accounts and other unauthorized uses.
• She turned herself in and was released on a $15,000 bond, and a court date has not been scheduled.
• The investigation was conducted with the USDA Office of Inspector General and the Las Animas County Sheriff’s Office.
• Town leaders created a segregated project account limited to the mayor and a USDA official as the $5.7 million reservoir remains incomplete and uncertified.