MONTROSE, Colo.—A former prosecutor in Montrose awaiting trial on criminal charges of harassing employees was convicted Wednesday on another set of charges.
Former 7th Judicial District Attorney Myrl Serra was convicted of violating his bail-bond conditions and misdemeanor harassment for confronting an alleged victim, the (Grand Junction) Sentinel reported ( ).
Serra testified that he was shopping for Christmas gifts and accidentally ran into the possible witness at a department store.
According to the Montrose Daily Press, the potential witness said Serra was “smirking” at her in a threatening manner. Serra testified that he’s a “serial smirker” but did not smirk at the woman after he recognized her.
“I left the area immediately,” Serra testified.
“I did not say anything to that person. I did not want any contact with that person,” he said. The encounter was brief, he said.
The prosecuting attorney, Robert Shapiro, disputed Serra’s account. Shapiro said that Serra “made a beeline” for the woman and told the potential witness, “I am invincible. Nobody tells me what to do in my town. You, Missy, you’re the one who needs to change.”
The jury sided with prosecutors late Wednesday after deliberating about three hours.
Serra resigned as Montrose district attorney last fall after he was arrested on several charges, including official misconduct for allegedly coercing sexual favors from female employees. That trial is scheduled to begin Oct. 31.
The former prosecutor remains free on bond. He’ll be sentenced for the bail-bond violation after the other trial is finished, The Sentinel reported.
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Information from: The Daily Sentinel,
