The former administrator and clerk of a tiny southern Colorado town is charged with multiple felonies after investigators say she stole more than $26,000 in federal grants and loans meant for a reservoir project.

Tyra Marie Avila, 47, is charged with theft, cybercrime, embezzlement of public property and forgery, all felonies, along with misdemeanor check fraud, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation said Tuesday.

Avila was the Aguilar town administrator, clerk and treasurer for 17 years before she resigned in September 2024, according to the agency. Aguilar, a Las Animas County town of less than 500 people, is located just off of Interstate 25, 65 miles south of Pueblo.

Investigators say money earmarked for an augmentation reservoir was combined with the town’s general fund and used fo

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