Editor's note: This story includes accusations of incest. Reader discretion is advised.
A Durango man has been arrested on suspicion of aggravated incest for allegedly sexually assaulting two children under the age of 15.
Cody Terrell Coley, 42, appeared via closed-circuit television Thursday in 6th Judicial District Court in Durango to be advised of the possible charge. He is being held at the La Plata County Jail on $100,000 bail.
The alleged assaults occurred around March 2018 in La Plata County, according to court records and statements made Thursday in court.
In arguing for a lower bail, Durango defense lawyer Richard Jay said Coley is a lifelong Durango resident with no prior criminal record who has cooperated fully with law enforcement throughout the investigation.
“Basically, he’s confessed to this crime,” Jay told the judge.
He said Coley is not a flight risk, is not a threat to society, and he wants to continue substance-abuse treatment. He wants to resolve the case, hopefully through a plea agreement, Jay said.
Deputy District Attorney Felicia Charles argued for a $100,000 bail, saying Coley engaged in a pattern of sexual and emotional abuse.
The sexual acts were performed under the guise that he was teaching the children about sex, she said. But in doing so, he was breaking the law, she said.
In one instance, the alleged victims performed sexual acts on Coley in exchange for him letting them dye their hair, she said. In another, he performed sexual acts on himself while watching pornography with the children, according to an arrest affidavit. He described the videos as “educational videos.”
The alleged assaults occurred while Coley was intoxicated, Charles said.
If he is able to post bail, he will be prohibited from consuming alcohol and using the internet. He will also be required to submit to GPS monitoring and cannot have contact with children.
Formal charges are expected to be filed Jan. 18 in District Court. The case was investigated by the La Plata County Sheriff’s Office and is being overseen by District Judge Suzanne Carlson.
shane@durangoherald.com
