Durango Investigates Misappropriation of Funds

Saturday, October 19, 2019 at 9:40 AM

Editor's note: While the city has not released the name of the suspect, other published reports say the Durango Finance Director was placed on administrative leave and has since resigned.

From the City of Durango

Friday, October 18, 2019

The City is cooperating with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and other private and public entities to conduct a thorough investigation of an alleged misappropriation of City funds. The employee involved was placed on administrative leave on October 14, 2019. That person has since resigned. The operations of the City of Durango have not and will not be impaired in any way. The City has put measures in place to ensure all City functions continue to operate with existing levels of service. City Council has stated a goal to enhance the public trust, and the City is working diligently to ensure all City operations are conducted in a manner to maintain this trust. “I have full confidence in the current staff and the measures that are being put in place to protect our City assets and services going forward,” stated Melissa Youssef, Mayor of Durango. “City Council has been and will continue to be supportive of the investigation.” The ongoing investigation is expected to take time. The protection of City assets is of paramount importance. Immediate safeguards have been implemented, and additional steps have been taken to assure City funds and assets are fully protected and City services are not impacted. While the City strives for transparency, the City will not be in a position to make any further comments or provide further information during the ongoing investigation.

Editor's note: While the city has not released the name of the suspect, other published reports say the Durango Finance Director was placed on administrative leave and has since resigned.

More from Local News

San Juan Co. to NM: Find Out Why Local Gas Prices Are High

The New Mexico Department of Justice has investigated fuel prices in San Juan County under prior Attorneys General. Investigations were inconclusive, but there was relief at the pump for a brief period. “We just want to be assured that San Juan County is paying what’s fair at the pump,” said Commissioner Lanier. “With limited competition between brands, it is worth checking out.”
Suspect Sought in July 4th Fatal Shooting

Deputies responded to reports of a shooting and located 18-year-old Elihue Vialpando, who had sustained fatal gunshot wounds. A second victim, Jack Chavez, suffered a gunshot wound to his leg and was transported to San Juan Regional Medical Center for treatment. Witness statements revealed Vialpando brandished a pistol and fired rounds earlier in the night, but based on the timeline of events and witness statements, did not support actions by Thomas Vigil.
Authorities Search for DWI Treatment Center Escapee

The suspect escaped during Sunday afternoon church services. He asked to go to the bathroom and never returned, immediately initiating a count and search of the facility. This is the first escape in the 31-year history of the jail-based treatment center.
Farmington Man Sentenced on Child Porn Conviction

Earlier this week, Jacob Marriott was sentenced after pleading guilty to 4 counts of Manufacturing of Child Pornography (2nd Degree Felony), 1 count of Possession of Child Pornography (4th Degree Felony), and 2 counts of Voyeurism of a Child Under 18 (3rd Degree Felony).
Colorado Business Expands in Farmington

NM-backed expansion expected to generate more than $22 million economic impact
2026 NM Primary Local (Unofficial) Results

We'll be updating this page with results throughout the evening on Tuesday, June 2, 2026: These are the unofficial results of the contested NM Primary races in San Juan County on June 2, 2026: