A jury in Mesa County found Tina Peters guilty on seven out of ten criminal charges related to a security breach in the elections office she managed as the county clerk and recorder. The verdict was reached just hours after the conclusion of closing arguments.
Peters was convicted on three felony counts of attempting to influence a public servant, one felony count of criminal impersonation, one misdemeanor count of official misconduct, one misdemeanor count for violating election duties, and one misdemeanor count for failing to comply with the secretary of state. She was acquitted on two felony counts of criminal impersonation and one felony count of identity theft.
Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold commented on the verdict, stating that Peters willfully jeopardized election equipment in an attempt to support unfounded claims regarding election integrity. Griswold emphasized that the jury’s decision sends a strong message against threatening the security of elections.
The investigation into Peters began in August 2021 after it was discovered that sensitive election data from Mesa County was posted online. Following this, a grand jury charged her in 2022 for allegedly facilitating unauthorized access to the elections department to copy election software and obtain sensitive information during a software update.
The prosecution argued that Peters collaborated with various individuals, including election conspiracy theorists and associates of prominent figures like MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell. They claimed she misled officials, allowing an unauthorized person to manipulate secure election data, while Peter’s defense argued that she believed her actions were protecting election records.
Throughout the trial, evidence was presented showing deceptive behaviors, such as instructing staff to purchase disposable phones and use encrypted messaging to conceal their communications. The defense countered that Peters was merely trying to uphold election integrity, while the prosecution portrayed her actions as deeply criminal and self-serving.
Statements from law enforcement and election officials following the verdict expressed relief at the outcome, reinforcing the message that any attempts to undermine election security will not be tolerated.
Peters is scheduled for sentencing on October 3.