DENVER, Colo. (KOAA) — Jurors have found two people from Colorado Springs guilty of staging what investigators called a "hate crime hoax" leading up to the Colorado Springs 2023 Mayoral Runoff election.
Ashley Blackcloud and Derrick Bernard were both found guilty of two counts: conspiracy to defraud the United States and for conveying false information about a threat by using fire.
The pair was charged after investigators said they created a video showing a burning cross in front of Mobolade’s campaign signs and sent it to media outlets to try to gain sympathy for Mobolade.
Sentencing for Bernard will be held on September 11, and Blackcloud's is set for September 17. Deanna West, a third defendant who pleaded guilty in the case, will be sentenced September 4.
Hear About Mayor Mobolade's Testimony
After the jury delivered the verdict, Bernard's attorney asked for each juror to be polled individually. The judge then went through and asked each of the twelve jurors if this was their verdict. They each said yes.
Bernard was sentenced to life in state prison without parole for ordering the 2019 murder of William Underwood. He will now be in custody with the U.S. Marshal's Office. Blackcloud will remain on bond. A hearing is scheduled next week to discuss possible changes to her bond conditions. Prosecutors are arguing Blackcloud should have an ankle monitor as she awaits sentencing in September.
Mayor Mobolade released the following statement regarding the verdict:
“My wife and I are grateful that justice has been served with today’s guilty verdict for Ashley Blackcloud and Derrick Bernard. This moment brings a sense of closure and relief, not only for our family, but for the Colorado Springs community as a whole. We deeply appreciate the work of the judicial system, federal prosecutors, law enforcement, and everyone who worked diligently to bring this case to justice.
Moments like this remind us that hate has no home in our city. As we move forward, we do so with gratitude, healing, and a commitment to the values that make Colorado Springs a safe, just, and united community."
During closing arguments Friday, prosecutors told jurors they needed to answer two questions: was the crime a conspiracy, and was it a threat? Prosecutors said Blackcloud and Benard "lived out a dark fantasy" as they felt by staging this video and sending it out to the public, it was helping Mobolade instead of threatening him.
Prosecutors pointed to the evidence showing both Blackcloud's and Bernard's vehicles were near the crime scene. Surveillance video from nearby businesses also showed Blackcloud in the area, going to a nearby 7-Eleven and walking across a parking lot near the campaign sign. A traffic camera showed video of flames near the campaign sign.
The defense argued it was not a threat to Mobolade, Blackcloud's attorney said, "I think he knew about it" and said it was not a "true threat" because Mobolade did not call the police immediately after learning about the video.
Throughout the five-day-long trial, jurors heard testimony from Mayor Mobolade and his wife, Abbey, numerous FBI forensic examiners who looked at evidence in the case, as well as West, the third defendant in the case, the FBI special agent, Ethan Doherty who investigated the case, and Bernard himself.
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