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Prosecution asks for more time to file charges against Fremont County Clerk Katie Barr 

Posted at 2:04 PM, Apr 18, 2018
and last updated 2018-08-08 18:09:52-04

Formal charges were supposed to be filed Wednesday against Fremont County Clerk and Recorder Katie Barr, but the prosecution asked for more time because they have not received some information surrounding the case from the Cañon City Police Department and the FBI.

Barr was arrested last month for embezzlement, harassment, witness intimidation and check fraud.

According to investigators, Barr embezzled Money from the county after writing more than $200,000 in checks to cover insufficient funds in personal and business bank accounts that belong to her and her husband, Chad Barr.

The criminal investigation into Barr’s office was prompted by a News 5 Investigation and CORA request asking to inspect financial records. In 2017, News 5 Investigates received a news tip about possible financial mismanagement in the Clerk and Recorders Office.

The Cañon City Police Department asked for assistance from the FBI to help examine 7+ years of financial records.

When Barr found out about the investigation, an arrest affidavit says she threatened employees with termination and lawsuits if they spoke up.

Barr briefly appeared in court Wednesday with her husband and attorney. Her case lasted less than 5 minutes after the District Attorney’s Office asked Judge Ramsey Lama to delay filing charges as their office has not received investigation case reports from the Cañon City Police Department and FBI.

It’s unclear why these agencies have yet to turn over the requested documents.

Despite county commissioners casting a “no confidence” vote in Barr’s ability to be an effective leader following her arrest, Barr has refused to resign.

As an elected official, she will continue earning her $72,000 annual salary unless she is convicted, voluntarily steps down or is removed from office through an official recall election.

Formal charges are now expected to be filed against Barr May 30.