A town administrator in Las Animas County is facing several felony charges after investigators say she funneled more than $26,000 from a small town’s water project intended to secure long-term water access, to her personal bank account.

Tyra Marie Avila, 47, who was the town clerk, treasurer and administrator of Aguilar for 17 years, was arrested on suspicion of theft, cybercrime, embezzlement of public property, forgery and fraud by check, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation said Tuesday.

Avila resigned in September 2024 and posted a $15,000 bond after turning herself over to law enforcement, CBI said.

Investigators say she took money from federal loans and grants that were awarded to the town of about 450 for a massive reservoir project. The money was allegedly commingled with the to

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