Far-right criminal Peters found guilty of seven conspiracy charges.

GOP Election Denier Tina Peters Convicted of Seven Criminal Charges, Including Felonies

by Natalie Neysa Alund | USA TODAY

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/08/12/tina-peters-verdict-colorado-election-denier-charged-security-breach/3263484007/

A Colorado jury on Monday convicted former Republican county clerk and election denier Tina Peters of seven criminal charges, including felony attempt to influence a public servant. This marks yet another victory against those perpetuating conspiracy theories and attempting to subvert our democracy following the 2020 election.

The 68-year-old Peters, who was indicted in March 2022, was found to have improperly allowed an individual access to copy passwords and files from a secure voting system, jeopardizing the integrity of our elections and exposing these systems to potential manipulation by malicious actors.

Following a two-week trial, Judge Matthew Barrett presided over the verdict, which included guilty verdicts on three felony counts of attempting to influence a public servant, one count of conspiracy to commit criminal impersonation, and misdemeanor charges of first-degree official misconduct, failure to comply with the Secretary of State, and violation of duty.

Mesa County District Attorney Daniel P. Rubinstein rightfully remarked on the significance of this conviction: "This community has suffered greatly from the dishonesty, lack of transparency, and refusal of Ms. Peters to take accountability...Our system of government is based on checks and balances, and no single elected official or branch of government is above the law."

Peters, in a shameful display, declined to take the stand during the trial, adding to the pattern of deceit and obfuscation. Her actions were further corroborated by the testimony of her deputy clerk, Belinda Knisley, who pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges and admitted to participating in a scheme devised by Peters to deceive public servants and breach security protocols.

This conviction sends a strong message that attempts to undermine our democratic processes and disseminate harmful conspiracy theories will not be tolerated. Peters faces prison time during her sentencing in October, a fitting consequence for her efforts to subvert the very systems of government she pretended to uphold.

Let this be a lesson to those who would dare threaten the foundation of our nation: justice will prevail.