Three individuals in Colorado Springs are facing federal charges for staging a hate crime during the 2023 mayoral race. Derrick Bernard Jr., Ashley Blackcloud, and Deanna West have been indicted for allegedly orchestrating a hoax involving a burning cross and racist vandalism on a campaign sign for candidate Yemi Mobolade. The trio is accused of spreading disinformation about a threat to make it seem like there was opposition to a Black mayoral candidate.
The indictment suggests that the suspects began plotting the incident after a runoff election was announced, with emails detailing their alleged plans. They are said to have vandalized the campaign sign, erected a burning cross, and then circulated photos and videos of the scene to media outlets.
Following a lengthy investigation by the FBI and Colorado Springs Police Department, Bernard, Blackcloud, and West have been indicted for maliciously conveying false information and conspiracy. While Blackcloud has made her first court appearance, Bernard is expected to appear once transferred from state custody to federal custody. West remains at large.
Both Mobolade and opponent Wayne Williams denounced the hate crime, and the trio now faces federal charges for their alleged involvement. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado has pursued the case, and the community awaits further developments in this troubling incident.
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