A Durango woman will serve two years on probation after pleading guilty to attempted retaliation against a judge.
Caitlin Murray, 27, made phone calls and sent text messages to Michelle Herringer, the wife of 6th Judicial District Judge William Herringer, who was overseeing her domestic relations case.
According to an arrest affidavit, Murray called Michelle Herringer on April 28, 2015, to ask if she would have her husband step down from her case. Michelle Herringer contacted Judge Herringer, who confirmed he was overseeing a case involving Murray.
Murray called Michelle Herringer again the next morning, but Michelle Herringer didn’t answer. Instead, Michelle Herringer sent Murray a text message saying: “Kaitlin (sic), Please do not contact me. If you do continue to contact me I will be forced to contact the police.”
Murray then sent 14 text messages, saying she was upset with the outcome of the court case and alluded to bad and obscene things happening to the Herringer family, including Michelle Herringer being raped and that she should “leave the planet.”
Police called Murray using Michelle Herringer’s phone number. Murray admitted to sending the text messages, but at the end of the phone call denied being Murray, according to the arrest affidavit. An arrest warrant was issued the same day.
The case was transferred to the 22nd Judicial District in Cortez to avoid any conflict of interest among local judges and the district attorney’s office. District Judge Douglas Walker oversaw the case.
Judge Herringer declined to comment for this story.
During her sentencing hearing Wednesday, Murray expressed regret.
“I definitely learned a huge lesson,” she said. “The way I responded to Michelle was irresponsible. I deeply regret responding to her that way.”
Public defense lawyer Justin Bogan said most people have sent an email, text message or said something they wish they could take back, and that’s what happened to Murray.
As conditions of her probation, Murray must receive counseling and abstain from alcohol and drugs. She also must write a letter of apology to Michelle Herringer.
“I’m really glad this is over and done with,” Murray said before leaving the courtroom.
shane@durangoherald.com
