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Jimmy Williams
Tina Peters, the former Mesa County clerk, was found guilty by a jury on Monday on seven of the ten criminal charges she faced in connection with a 2021 security breach in the elections office she once oversaw. The verdict came swiftly, with jurors returning their decision just hours after closing arguments.
Peters was convicted on three felony counts of attempting to influence a public servant, one felony count of conspiracy to commit criminal impersonation, and several misdemeanor counts, including official misconduct and violation of duty in elections. She was acquitted on two felony counts of criminal impersonation and one felony count of identity theft.
The case revolved around a scheme in which Peters allegedly facilitated a security breach of Mesa County’s election equipment in an attempt to prove unfounded claims of election fraud. According to prosecutors, Peters allowed an unauthorized individual to enter the secure elections area, where sensitive data, including election system software and passwords, was copied.
“Tina Peters willfully compromised her own election equipment trying to prove Trump’s Big Lie,” said Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold in response to the verdict. Griswold emphasized that the outcome of the trial reaffirms Colorado’s commitment to election security, labeling the state’s election system as the “gold standard” in the nation.
The investigation into Peters began in August 2021 after sensitive Mesa County election system data was posted online. A grand jury later indicted Peters for her role in allowing unauthorized access to the elections department, a breach that occurred during a critical software update known as a trusted build.
Throughout the trial, prosecutors presented evidence of Peters’ deceitful actions, including her coordination with various individuals linked to election conspiracy theories. Among these were figures like Kurt Olsen, an associate of Trump ally Mike Lindell, and Douglas Frank, a mathematician involved in spreading election fraud claims.
One of the most damning pieces of evidence against Peters was her role in hiring Gerald Wood, whose identity was allegedly used to grant security clearance to an unauthorized person, who then accessed the election system. The prosecution argued that Peters’ actions were part of a broader attempt to undermine the integrity of the county’s elections.
Peters’ defense team attempted to paint her as a victim of governmental overreach, suggesting that she believed the individual she allowed into the elections area was a confidential government agent. However, the jury was not swayed, finding her guilty on the majority of charges.
In closing arguments, the prosecution’s Robert Shapiro described Peters’ actions as a “deep dive” into disclosing confidential information for personal gain, accusing her of seeking fame and recognition within conspiracy circles.
The verdict has been widely praised by election officials and legal experts as a necessary step in upholding the integrity of the electoral process. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser stated that the outcome serves as a “warning to others” who might attempt to tamper with election systems.
Sentencing for Tina Peters is scheduled for October 3, where she could face significant prison time for her role in the 2021 breach. The case underscores the importance of maintaining strict security protocols in election offices and holding those who violate them accountable.
This verdict marks a significant chapter in the ongoing effort to protect the integrity of U.S. elections, particularly in an era of increasing misinformation and attempts to undermine public trust in the electoral process.
