(CAÑON CITY, Colo.) — Three counties in western Colorado are suing former District Attorney Linda Stanley for what they allege was a misuse of public funds while defending herself from ethics complaints.

According to the lawsuit, Fremont County, Chaffee County, and Custer County are suing Stanley, alleging during her time as the DA for the 11th Judicial District, she used funds provided to her from the counties for the operation of the DA’s Office and for official business to pay for legal fees incurred by defending against allegations of the Colorado Rules of Professional Conduct, or ethical violations.

The counties assert that by paying legal fees that were not necessary expenses for the transaction of official business, Stanley “willfully, knowingly, and fraudulently converted funds appropriated by County to her own use and benefit, and/or to use other than the public use authorized by law.”

The counties allege that at no point during budget request meetings did Stanley disclose her intention or use of public funds for personal use and that she had a duty to do so. The counties accuse Stanley of spending at least $111,971.35 for personal use.

The lawsuit alleges the Fremont County Attorney provided notice of the County’s allegations to Stanley on June 27, 2024, and that she continued to misappropriate funds. A reminder of the consequences of such violations was allegedly sent by Fremont County on Sept. 25, 2024.

The Plaintiffs are asking for relief related to the misappropriation and other legal fees and costs, along with other relief as the court deems just and equitable.