Tina Peters found guilty on 7 counts in election interference case: Sentencing set for October

Prosecutors say Peters became obsessed with election issues after aligning with those who disputed the 2020 election.

Former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters was convicted Monday on seven of the ten charges against her in a Colorado election interference case.

Peters, 68, was found guilty of three counts of attempting to influence a public servant, one count of conspiracy to commit criminal impersonation, first-degree official misconduct, violation of duty, and failure to comply with the secretary of state.

She was acquitted of one count of criminal impersonation, a conspiracy charge related to criminal impersonation, and an identity theft charge. Peters had pleaded not guilty to all charges in 2022.

Judge Matthew Barrett announced the jury’s verdict after approximately four hours of deliberation. The case, which began about two and a half years ago, involved allegations that Peters, as Mesa County's top election official, facilitated a breach of county election computer systems.

Prosecutors argued that Peters sought notoriety and became obsessed with election issues after aligning with those who disputed the accuracy of the 2020 presidential election results.

This case is notable as it is the first prosecution of a local election official linked to a security breach related to the 2020 election, raising concerns about the potential misuse of insider knowledge by rogue election workers.

Peters, a Republican, received support from election deniers such as MyPillow founder Mike Lindell, who claimed the 2020 election was rigged against former President Donald Trump.

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 of 4 felonies and 3 misdemeanors 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."

Peters is scheduled for sentencing on October 3.