The former Aguilar town administrator and clerk was charged with multiple felonies after allegedly embezzling funds, according to a news release from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation on Tuesday.

The agency alleges Tyra Marie Avila, 47, diverted more than $26,000 in funds intended for the Augmentation Reservoir project to her personal bank account. Avila served as Aguilar’s administrator, clerk and treasurer for 17 years before resigning in September 2024, according to the release.

The investigation found federal loans and grants earmarked for the project were combined with the town’s general fund, according to the release.

The money was used for unauthorized personal transactions and other town expenses, leaving contractors for the water project unpaid. The Town of Aguilar has since established a separate account for the project that is only accessible to the mayor and a U.S. Department of Agriculture official, according to the release.

Avila turned herself in and was charged with:

• Theft between $20,000 and $100,000
• Cybercrime between $20,000 and $100,000
• Embezzlement of public property
• Forgery
• Fraud by check greater than $2,000

In addition to CBI, the charges were announced in coordination with the USDA, Office of Inspector General and the Las Animas County Sheriff’s Office.