Upon the request of District Attorney Will Furse, Scott Klassen, 57, was bound over to district court during arraignment proceedings before Montezuma County Judge JenniLynn Lawrence on Wednesday, Sept. 30. Klassen faces a single felony count for theft of agriculture animals.
Citing he wanted to represent himself at Wednesday’s hearing, Klassen asked the court to explain its decision to send the case to District Court Judge Todd Plewe.
“There’s not a great likelihood the case will be resolved with a misdemeanor plea deal,” Lawrence replied, resetting the case before Plewe on Oct. 8.
Asked if he still wished to represent himself on the charges, Klassen said, “I would like the opportunity to talk to the district attorney,” holding up a business card.
Furse subsequently told Klassen to call and arrange a private meeting next week.
Outside of the courtroom, the alleged victim, an elderly woman, claimed that Klassen shot and killed her four-year-old Charolais bull on May 25. Court records reveal the reported incident occurred along the 14000 block of County Road 27, which runs north and south near the Anasazi Heritage Center outside of Dolores.
According to the alleged victim, the bull, valued at $7,500, was entering its second breeding season.
If convicted, the penalty for a Class 4 felony includes 2-6 years in prison, plus 3 years parole and a fine between $2,000 and $500,000.
“These are serious charges,” Lawrence advised Klassen, ordering him to submit to fingerprinting with local authorities.
Court records reveal that authorities issued Klassen a summons on the charges on Aug. 13.
tbaker@the-journal.com
