Myrl Serra, DA for 7th Judicial District, busted for unlawful sexual conduct, indecent exposure

Myrl Serra.

Colorado Attorney General's office spokesman Mike Saccone confirms that Myrl Serra, district attorney for the 7th Judicial District, which covers several Western Slope counties, is in Montrose County jail following his arrest this morning on three startling charges: unlawful sexual contact, no consent, with force or threats; indecent exposure; and first-degree official misconduct.

Details about the case itself have not yet been released; the arrest affidavit has been sealed. However, AG John Suthers has been appointed to serve as a special prosecutor in the matter.

Two documents pertaining to this appointment are public -- read them here and here -- but they don't contain much additional detail.

For example, an executive order from the governor's office states that on September 17, "allegations of potential criminal conduct by Myrl Serra... were brought to the attention of the Montrose County Sheriff," which then referred the matter to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. During the subsequent investigation, the document continues, "CBI learned of additional potential criminal activity by Mr. Serra, which included allegations of potential official misconduct."

On Monday, the governor's offfice authorized the CBI to investigate these additional allegations, leading to Serra's arrest this morning.

No doubt much more about this case will be coming out soon. In the meantime, here's the release from the AG's office:

GOVERNOR APPOINTS ATTORNEY GENERAL AS SPECIAL PROSECUTOR IN CASE INVOLVING THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY FOR THE 7TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT

DENVER -- Colorado Attorney General John Suthers announced today that Lt. Gov. Barbara O'Brien, in her capacity as acting governor, has appointed the Office of the Attorney General to oversee the special prosecution of Myrl Serra, the District Attorney for the 7th Judicial District of Colorado.

Serra (DOB: 11/14/1961) was arrested on suspicion of unlawful sexual contact no consent with force or threats, a class-four felony (§ 18-3-404, 18-3-402, C.R.S.); indecent exposure, a class-three misdemeanor (§ 18-7-302, C.R.S.); and first-degree official misconduct, a class-two misdemeanor (§ 18-8-404, C.R.S.).

Prosecutors have filed their case against Serra with a Montrose County District Court today. The arrest affidavit for Serra has been filed under seal.

Due to Serra's arrest, the Lieutenant Governor also has appointed the Attorney General as the special prosecutor for the 7th Judicial District. Under this executive order, the Attorney General will assume prosecutorial authority in the 7th Judicial District.

The 7th Judicial District covers Montrose, Delta, Gunnison, Hinsdale, San Miguel and Ouray counties.