YOUR AD HERE »

Moffat County rancher’s trial under way

Joe Moylan
Monty Luke Pilgrim
9-28PilgrimRGB

A jury trial in the case against a Moffat County rancher charged with violating state cattle statutes began this morning in Moffat County District Court.

Monty Pilgrim, 52, of Little Snake River, is charged with one count of theft exceeding $20,000, a Class 3 felony; nine counts of theft of certain animals, a Class 4 felony; one count of concealing strays, a Class 6 felony; and one count of wrongful branding, a Class 6 felony.

After more than four hours of questioning this morning, the jury pool was narrowed from 25 to 12, plus an alternate.



The trial resumed at 1:45 p.m. today, when attorneys were slated to deliver opening statements. Witnesses may also be called before the end of the day.

The trial is scheduled to continue through the end of the week.



Han Ng, of the 14th Judicial District Attorney’s Office in Moffat County, is prosecuting Pilgrim.

Attorneys Ed Nugent, of Grand Junction, and Kris Hammond, of Steamboat Springs, are representing Pilgrim.

David Lass, a visiting judge, is presiding over the trial.


Support Local Journalism

Support Local Journalism

Readers around Craig and Moffat County make the Craig Press’ work possible. Your financial contribution supports our efforts to deliver quality, locally relevant journalism.

Now more than ever, your support is critical to help us keep our community informed about the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having locally. Every contribution, however large or small, will make a difference.

Each donation will be used exclusively for the development and creation of increased news coverage.