Former Tucumcari fire chief enters no plea

TUCUMCARI - A former Tucumcari fire chief, charged with eight felonies including sexual penetration, offered no plea as his case was bound over Monday to district court.

Shane Warner, 41, appeared before Quay County Magistrate Judge TJ O'Quinn. He was represented by attorney Dan Lindsey of Clovis, who was not available for comment on Tuesday.

In addition to the assault, Warner is charged with intent to distribute controlled substances, tampering with evidence, extortion and embezzling more than $2,500 but less than $20,000.

Warner was arrested Oct. 4 and jailed in the Curry County Detention Center but was released on Oct. 5, on a $10,000 bond, according to court officials.

The 10th Judicial District Attorney Tim Rose has declined to comment on Warner's case.

Warner could not be reached for comment.

Charges were filed against Warner on Oct. 2. The charges stem from events alleged on March 6.

Warner was dismissed from the Tucumcari fire chief's position on March 19. City Manager Jared Langenegger gave no reason for the dismissal.

He was hired as Tucumcari's fire chief on Jan. 27, 2015.

Warner had previously spent 14 years as a professional firefighter in Clovis.