76 charges filed against 'Dougherty gang'

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WALSENBURG, Colo., Aug. 23 (UPI) -- Colorado authorities filed a combined 76 charges against the "Dougherty gang," a woman and her two brothers who led police on a cross-country chase.

Lee Grace Dougherty, 29, and her brothers Dylan, 26, and Ryan 21, were in shackles when they appeared in a Walsenburg, Colo., court one after the other Monday, The Pueblo (Colo.) Chieftain reported.

District Attorney Frank Ruybalid filed a total of 76 charges against the three, who were pursued from Florida and caught in Colorado.

Lee Grace Dougherty faced 29 complaints, Ryan Dougherty 24 and Dylan Dougherty 23.

Charges against all three include attempt to commit murder, assault and vehicle theft, court documents showed.

A gag order issued by District Judge Claude Appel prevented prosecutors and lawyers from discussing the charges.

They Doughertys were arrested Aug. 10 after their car crashed, having led Colorado troopers on a 20-mile chase that at times exceeded speeds of 100 mph.

At the time, they were wanted on charges of shooting at a Florida police car during a chase and robbing a bank in Georgia.

Security for Monday's hearing was tight with three city blocks around the courthouse closed to traffic and the building guarded by state troopers, county sheriff's deputies and Walsenburg police officers.

A law enforcement officer stood atop the courthouse with a rifle.

A telephone hearing to set future court dates has been scheduled for Thursday.