Former Montrose County DA Myrl Serra sentenced to one year in prison and four years of sex offender probation

Former Montrose County DA Myrl Serra sentenced to one year in prison and four years of sex offender probation

Posted: 01/19/2012 02:06:54 PM MST

Updated: 01/19/2012 04:36:44 PM MST By Nancy Lofholm

The Denver Post

Court records detail sexual allegations against Western Slope district attorneyDisbarred former Montrose County District Attorney Myrl Serra today was sentenced to a year in prison and four years of sex-offender probation related to charges that he demanded sex from three women who worked in his office.

The women told authorities that he threatened their jobs, frequently exposed himself, grabbed them and forced them to provide sexual favors — crossing a line from harassment to assault — during a three-year period.

He pleaded guilty to a felony extortion count and a misdemeanor count of unlawful sexual contact, along with charges related to bond violations.

Today Montrose County District Court judge David Bottger ordered Serra to spend a year in prison for the bond violation but gave him credit for the 130 days he spent in the Montrose County jail.

For the extortion and sexual contact charges, Serra will serve 60 days in county jail and four years of sex-offender probation. He also must register as a sex offender.

In all, he faced up to 15 years in prison.

Serra's victims all testified during the sentencing hearing, calling their former boss a tyrant, dictator, sexual deviant and predator.

In his statement to the court, Serra addressed each woman, calling his interactions with them either consensual or flirting on both parts. "I regret engaging in those activities and regret my lack of judgement," he said.

As one of the victims sobbed at the back of the courtroom, Serra said his physical relationship with her had been "inappropriate" though consensual. "But I didn't take into account the disparity of power."

But Bottger wasn't swayed.

"I don't believe his version of events," he said. "I do believe victims' version of events. Either that, or they are the most astonishing actresses I have ever met."

A presentence report showed Serra has a previously undiagnosed narcissim disorder, and so as part of his probation, he must complete both mental health and sex offender treatment, Bottger said.

The report also said Serra is a low risk for reoffending.

Special prosecutor Robert Shapiro said he doubts Serra will see any prison time, however he will serve the 60 days in Montrose County jail.

Shapiro also said he expects to see Serra back in court within a year for violating the terms of his probation.

Nancy Lofholm: 970-256-1957 or nlofholm@denverpost.com

Please read complete articles about this disgusting slimebag at links below:

http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_19776566#ixzz1k72kysMy

http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_19776566