Former La Plata County Jail Cmdr. Ed Aber, who is accused of viewing strip-search videos of more than 100 female inmates for his own sexual gratification during his tenure, was scheduled Monday for a plea hearing or to proceed to trial.
Instead, the plea hearing was postponed for a second time.
Prosecutors and defense attorneys, citing the case’s scope and sensitivity, have agreed to multiple extensions since proceedings began in August.
A new plea hearing has been scheduled for March 2.
According to an arrest affidavit, Aber used his administrative access to evidence.com to watch strip-search videos depicting “close-up vantage points of the intimate parts of at least 117 female inmates” more than 3,000 times between Feb. 14, 2019, and Jan. 14, 2024.
The former commander faces 117 counts of invasion of privacy and one count of official misconduct – all misdemeanors.
Aber’s lawyer, Barrie Newberger King, said Deputy District Attorney William Davis had presented a plea deal but more time was needed to consider the terms.
Davis also said more time was needed to contact victims and ensure compliance with the Victim Rights Act before approaching any potential changes in plea proceedings.
La Plata County Judge Richard Schmittel granted the extension, citing the case’s classification as a victim rights case, which guarantees alleged victims fairness, dignity, privacy, protection and a voice in proceedings.
Schmittel said some alleged victims are anxious to see proceedings move forward and emphasized this would be the final extension.
epond@durangoherald.com
