Three Indicted in Alleged Hate Crime Hoax Linked to Colorado Springs Mayoral Race
Colorado Springs, CO — Three individuals have been indicted in connection with an alleged hate crime hoax intended to sway the outcome of the 2023 Colorado Springs mayoral runoff election in favor of Yemi Mobolade, who eventually won the race.
The suspects, identified as Derrick Patrick Bernard Jr. (also known as Phoenixx Ugrilla), Ashley Danielle Blackcloud (aka Trinity Black Cloud), and Deanna Crystal West (aka Sage West), are accused of staging the incident.
Allegations and Timeline
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The indictment details a timeline surrounding the runoff election between Yemi Mobolade and Wayne Williams, which took place on May 16, 2023. It alleges that on April 13, Bernard sent Mobolade a Facebook message referencing a “plot” and claiming he was “mobilizing [his] squadron” to prevent perceived racial injustices.
On April 23, the suspects allegedly collaborated to stage a hate crime by placing a burning wooden cross and a defaced campaign sign bearing a racial slur at an intersection in the city. The group is accused of filming the scene and sending the footage to local news outlets.
Further communications between Bernard and Mobolade, cited in the indictment, include texts in which Bernard promised support for Mobolade’s campaign and hinted at seeking future “favors.” The indictment does not include direct quotes or screenshots from Mobolade, raising questions about the extent of his knowledge or involvement.
Media and Public Reaction
Local and national media have scrutinized the incident, particularly after The Daily Wire published a report alleging Mobolade denied having contact with Bernard during FBI interviews, despite evidence to the contrary. According to the report, federal prosecutors declined to pursue charges against Mobolade, citing political and racial sensitivities.
Mobolade’s office has strongly denied any wrongdoing, releasing a statement emphasizing his limited interaction with Bernard and expressing gratitude for law enforcement’s efforts. “That incident during my campaign led to a very traumatic time for my family, my campaign team, and our community,” the statement read.
City Council Questions Mayor
During a city council work session on November 25, Council Member Dave Donelson publicly called on Mobolade to address the allegations raised in The Daily Wire’s report. Donelson questioned whether the mayor denied contact with the suspects during two FBI interviews, as alleged.
City Deputy Chief of Staff Ryan Trujillo dismissed the claims as “unfounded and unsourced,” referring to the mayor’s public statement and emphasizing respect for the ongoing investigation. Donelson, however, argued that clarifying the mayor’s interactions with the FBI was a separate matter unrelated to the charges against the suspects.
Ongoing Investigation
As the investigation continues, questions persist about the alleged hoax and its potential implications for the city and its leadership. Law enforcement has not indicated whether Mobolade is under scrutiny beyond his interactions with Bernard, and no charges have been brought against the mayor.
The three defendants, meanwhile, face charges related to the staged hate crime, which has drawn widespread condemnation and raised concerns about the use of such tactics in political campaigns.