Tina Peters Found Guilty of Election Breach

A jury in Mesa County found Tina Peters guilty of four felonies after a long trial that centered on a security breach in the election office.

Peters was convicted of trying to influence public servants and conspiracy related to allowing an unauthorized person access to sensitive election equipment during a software update in May 2021.

The jury took about four and a half hours to deliberate before announcing the verdict, which included a total of seven convictions out of ten charges. This case is part of a broader scrutiny on efforts linked to questioning the integrity of the 2020 presidential election.

Evidence showed Peters used the identity of Gerald Wood, a local man, to give Conan Hayes, an outsider, access to Mesa County’s election systems. Hayes, connected to various conspiracy theories about the election, was able to copy sensitive data during the breach.

Prosecutors highlighted how this security violation unfolded, arguing it was part of a larger effort to undermine the election system. They described Peters as someone who took advantage of her role, opening doors to external individuals.

Defense attorneys argued Peters acted under the belief that she was preserving election records but faced tough scrutiny over her actions, which included using disposable phones and encrypted messaging to communicate with conspirators.

Prosecutors pointed out that Peters expressed fears about going to jail when the security breach became public knowledge, with her own comments suggesting she knew she had done something wrong.

The case drew attention not only for its implications for Peters but also for its connections to national election conspiracy theories, making it a focal point of discussion around election security.

After the verdict, Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold stated the jury’s decision sends a strong message about safeguarding elections, emphasizing that these actions are taken seriously in Colorado.

Peters is set to be sentenced on October 3, and the public and media will likely continue to closely follow her case and its implications for election integrity.