U.S. 22nd Judicial District

Local News

22nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office expects busy fall with multiple murder trials scheduled

Felony filings are higher from last year

August 12, 2026

Local News

Addiction resources grow in Cortez

Advocates celebrate the addition of a sober living home alongside expanded treatment options and recovery groups

August 9, 2026

Local News

Cortez woman pleads guilty in fatal DUI crash that killed motorcyclist

Sentencing hearing set for Sept. 18

July 24, 2026

Local News

Dollar store ruling prompts Montezuma County to consider land-use code revisions

Judge rules for county but says ‘arguably, the code is poor public policy’

July 16, 2026

Local News

Cortez woman charged in motorcyclist’s death waives preliminary hearing

Shandine John’s case continues while defense develops report to inform plea negotiations

June 4, 2026

Courts and Crime

Cortez man sentenced to three years in DOC for menacing police officers

Shane French was found guilty on six counts

June 4, 2026

Courts and Crime

Cortez man found guilty in 2025 menacing case

Sentencing is scheduled for the end of May

May 14, 2026

Local News

Barking at court: Montezuma County explores addressing prairie dog overpopulation

USDA Wildlife Services possible partnership may address conflicts with critters, including bears and beavers

May 13, 2026

Local News

Cortez woman pleads not guilty in Veterans Park beating case

Attorney says plea agreement discussions remain active

May 9, 2026

Court of Appeals orders new trial for Montezuma County woman convicted in child abuse case

Child suffered a severe brain injury, skull fracture and other injuries in 2022

January 18, 2026

Judge tosses Cortez superintendent’s defamation suit, orders Burris to pay fees

Court says Lewis is protected under anti-SLAPP law and immunity after reporting allegations of abuse

November 21, 2025

Warrant issued for Cody Mallett after failure to appear in Shiloh’s wall crash case

Mallett allegedly crashed into the wall in the Shiloh’s parking lot in May 2024

November 13, 2025

Two suspects in Cortez slaying to appear in court in December

One man dies in beating in Veterans Park; two others injured

October 8, 2025

Update: Man and woman appear in Cortez court after slaying in park; two others injured

Man reportedly died from blunt-force trauma; another man might not survive

August 21, 2025

Cortez man sentenced to 21 years for shooting father in the hand

Robert Reinfeld allegedly said his father was watching too much TV

August 16, 2025

Shane French preliminary hearing rescheduled after refusal to appear from jail

French was arrested on suspicion of menacing with a deadly weapon and other charges

July 30, 2025

Trial date set for Cody Mallett in Shiloh’s wall crash case

Mallett pleaded not guilty during his plea hearing

July 30, 2025

Plea hearing reset for end of July in Shiloh’s wall crash case

Cody Mallett allegedly crashed into the retaining wall near Shiloh’s in 2024

July 16, 2025

Trial set for Shayne Rowley in child sexual assault case

Rowley pleaded not guilty at his most recent hearing

June 4, 2025

Preliminary hearing date set for suspect in alleged firearm and drug case

Aaron Martinez’s bond was also lowered

May 28, 2025

Cortez man gets 15 years for sexual exploitation of a child, other charges

Anthony Mizell faces multiple felony counts after discovery of explicit content on seized phone

May 25, 2025

Montezuma County offices recognize worldwide Denim Day movement

The DA’s Office, Police Department, Sheriff’s Office and others participated

April 30, 2025

Rayah Chowen plea hearing rescheduled for end of May

Chowen didn’t appear for plea on Tuesday due to possible livestream issues

March 20, 2025

Man suspected in a Cortez car chase that injured an officer, woman and child

During pursuit, officer hits car containing three people

March 18, 2025