A former Colorado official, notorious for spreading false claims of voter fraud, has been handed a nine-year prison sentence for breaching her county’s election system. Tina Peters, the ex-Mesa County clerk, was condemned by the judge for peddling “snake oil” conspiracy theories that have been repeatedly debunked.
Judge Matthew Barrett rebuked Peters, saying, “You’re not a hero, but a charlatan who used your former position to deceive others.” He expressed concern that she would continue to spread misinformation if given the opportunity. Peters had requested probation, claiming she had never intended to break the law and only wanted to serve her community.
Prosecutors had pushed for the maximum 20-year sentence, citing the severity of Peters’ crimes. She was found guilty of seven counts, including attempting to influence a public servant, conspiracy, and violating her duties as an election official.
Peters’ actions allowed an unauthorized individual, affiliated with My Pillow CEO Mike Lindell, to access her county’s election system using a stolen security badge. Lindell is a prominent proponent of the debunked theory that voter fraud cost Donald Trump the 2020 presidential election.
Peters had falsely accused Dominion Voting Systems, the manufacturer of her county’s election system, of participating in the alleged fraud. Her sentence marks a significant blow to those who have sought to undermine trust in the electoral process.
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