Tina Peters Convicted for Illegally Tampering with Voting Machines
Tina Peters, a former county clerk from Mesa County, Colorado, was sentenced to nine years in prison on Thursday after being convicted of illegally tampering with voting machines. Peters, a Republican, gained national attention for promoting former President Donald Trump’s false claims of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 U.S. presidential election.
Courtroom Drama and Judge’s Rebuke
During her sentencing in Denver, Peters continued to insist that her actions were justified by her belief in election conspiracy theories. However, Judge Matthew Barrett sternly condemned her lack of remorse and her misuse of public office.
“You are no hero,” Judge Barrett declared. “You abused your position and you’re a charlatan who used, and is still using, your prior position in office to peddle a snake oil that’s been proven to be junk time and time again.”
Barrett also emphasized the seriousness of her actions, stating that Peters had violated her oath of office and betrayed the trust of her constituents.
Breaching Election Security
Peters’ conviction stems from a security breach at her office in 2021, where she allowed unauthorized individuals, including Trump allies, access to Mesa County’s election equipment in an attempt to find evidence of voter fraud. The breach led to voting equipment passwords being leaked online, further endangering the integrity of the voting system.
Despite her claims of acting in the public interest, Peters’ actions were deemed illegal and dangerous by the court. The judge pointed out that her actions had lasting consequences for public trust in election security.
Defiant Remarks on Election Fraud Claims
At her sentencing hearing, Peters remained defiant, claiming that her actions were an effort to “serve the people of Mesa County” and launching into a lengthy monologue about election fraud theories. Her comments prompted Judge Barrett to interrupt and remind her that those claims had been repeatedly debunked.
Barrett rejected Peters’ request for probation, explaining that her “well-documented” lies and serious offenses warranted a significant prison sentence. “Prison is… where we send people who are a danger to all of us, whether by the pen or the sword or the word of mouth,” Barrett said.
