Charges Dropped Against Former Sheriff Maketo and Undersheriff

CENTENNIAL, CO -- Prosecutors for the 18th Judicial District announced Friday they would drop all charges for former El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa and Undersheriff Paula Presley. This decision followed two hung jury trials. The 18th District agreed to prosecute the case to avoid conflict with the El Paso County district attorneys.

"From the beginning, this has been a case that demanded transparency. An elected official was charged with misusing the power of his office, and that type of allegation especially merited scrutiny from the people of El Paso County," said Assistant District Attorney Mark Hurlbert, the lead prosecutor on the case in a statement. "Twice juries thoughtfully and carefully considered the allegations. While we are disappointed with the outcome, we respect their decision and appreciate the seriousness with which they dispatched their duties to the court as well as to their community."

This month a jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict on of extortion and conspiracy to commit extortion (both felonies) in a retrial. In July, 2017, jurors deadlocked during his first trial, acquitting him on three lesser charges, but unable to decide on the two felony charges.

Maketa was charged by an El Paso grand jury for a handful of public corruption charges including extortion, conspiracy to commit extortion and other charges.

Last month the 10th Circuit dismissed a civil suit against Maketa and Presley alleging the two conspired to retaliate against other employees based on sexual favoritism and running a smear campaign against ex-employees.

Former sheriff's Commander John San Agustin had charges dismissed last year.

Image Former El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa via Associated Press