WALSENBURG, Colo.—A hearing for two fugitive brothers from Florida who were expected to enter pleas to charges filed in Colorado after a cross-country crime spree was postponed Monday as a judge admonished deputies about the transport of one suspect.
Ryan Dougherty, 21, and Dylan Stanley-Dougherty, 26, appeared separately in district court in Walsenburg, where Chief District Judge Claude Appel scolded deputies for transporting Dylan Stanley-Dougherty from Pueblo, 45 miles away, despite a written order that he appear via video, the Pueblo Chieftain reported ( ).
“Take him out and bring in the one I ordered not to be brought here,” Appel said as Dylan Stanley-Dougherty’s hearing was about to begin.
The defendant had been transferred to Pueblo on Jan. 12 following an alleged escape attempt foiled by deputies.
Appel admonished deputies, as well as Huerfano County Sheriff Bruce Newman, for apparently ignoring his order, State Court administrator spokesman Rob McCallum said.
Those who ignore a judge’s order can be held in contempt of court, though Appel did not take such measures.
Newman did not immediately return a message left by The Associated Press.
A hearing is scheduled for Feb. 16 for both brothers.
“If you are not ready for a plea, I will set the case for trial,” Appel told attorneys.
The two brothers and 29-year-old sister Lee Grace Dougherty are accused of shooting at a police officer in Florida, as well as robbing a Georgia bank.
The siblings face five counts each in Colorado of attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault, and other felony charges related to a high-speed chase and what authorities say was a shootout before their capture Aug. 10.
Colorado, federal and Florida prosecutors are discussing possible plea deals involving the brothers. Lee Grace Dougherty has pleaded not guilty to the Colorado charges. Her trial is scheduled to begin Feb. 21.
All three had been held at the Huerfano County jail until earlier this month, when authorities alleged Dylan Stanley-Dougherty had found his way into the walls and ceiling of the jail in Walsenburg.
Deputies said he managed to unlock an access panel that led to his cell, follow the plumbing in the ceiling and pass a letter to his sister in the female section of the jail. Deputies said on Jan. 10 they found a homemade knife, a letter addressed to the FBI and the note to his sister that detailed a plan to drop down on guards in the control booth at the jail.
Dylan Stanley-Dougherty was accused in an affidavit of conspiracy to escape and possession of contraband. A hearing where prosecutors are expected to file charges in that case is scheduled for Feb. 6. Dylan Dougherty is expected to appear via video.
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Information from: The Pueblo Chieftain,
