A jury in Mesa County has found Tina Peters guilty on seven out of ten criminal charges stemming from a security breach in the elections office she managed during the spring of 2021. The jury reached its verdict shortly after hearing 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 of violating election duties, and one misdemeanor count of failing to comply with the secretary of state. She was found not guilty on two felony counts of criminal impersonation and one felony count of identity theft.
Following the verdict, Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold stated, “Tina Peters willfully compromised her own election equipment trying to prove Trump’s Big Lie. She has been found guilty by a jury of her peers and will now face the consequences of her actions. Today’s verdict sends a clear message: we will not tolerate any effort to threaten the security of our gold standard elections. I am proud that justice for Colorado voters has been served today.”
An investigation into Peters’ actions began in August 2021 when it was discovered that sensitive data from Mesa County’s election system had been made public online. A grand jury in 2022 charged Peters in connection with a scheme that allowed an unauthorized individual to enter the elections department and copy election software and sensitive data during an equipment update.
Prosecutors argued that the case demonstrated how election deniers, aligned with former President Donald Trump, found in Peters a willing participant to undermine the integrity of elections in Mesa County.
Peters did not speak to the media after the verdict but indicated she would provide comments at a later date.
During the closing arguments, Robert Shapiro, an assistant attorney general, stated that Peters facilitated a security breach by permitting unauthorized individuals access to sensitive election equipment. He highlighted a conspiracy that involved various individuals, including associates of Trump and other election conspiracy theorists.
Evidence presented by the prosecution indicated that Peters had instructed staff to use disposable phones and an encrypted messaging platform, indicating a desire to cloak their activities. Surveillance measures were also reportedly turned off around the time of the breach, contrary to established policies.
On the other side, defense attorney John Case attempted to project Peters as a victim of circumstances beyond her control, mentioning her personal losses as motivating her actions.
Despite the defense’s arguments, Deputy Attorney General Janet Drake reiterated Peters’ intent to deceive and the illegal nature of her actions.
Officials from the Colorado County Clerks Association and Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser commented on the significance of the verdict, asserting it serves as a warning to those who might attempt to tamper with election processes, emphasizing that Colorado’s election system remains secure.
Peters is scheduled for sentencing on October 3.