hate crime hoax

DOJ declined to indict, but questions mount over Colorado Springs mayor’s role in hoax

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A black media personality was convicted last week of faking a hate crime against Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade to gin up votes for him, with the ringleader Derrick Bernard testifying that Mobolade was in on the hoax, and the FBI testifying that the mayor misled agents about his contact with Bernard.

Mobolade, who is Nigerian, won the election as a left-leaning independent in the traditional Republican stronghold in 2023 after the n-word was scrawled on one of his campaign signs and a cross set ablaze in front of it. Video of the scene was sent to the media, resulting in a swell of sympathy.

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Hate crime hoax trial continues with Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade on the stand

denvergazette.com, Approved, Local / / , ,

DENVER • The openly emotional mayor of Colorado Springs was asked to testify Tuesday about the details of his 2023 mayoral campaign season before and after a hate crime “hoax.”

In November, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Colorado announced that three individuals were indicted by a federal grand jury for “maliciously conveying false information about a threat made by means of fire” to draw support for the eventual mayoral race winner, Yemi Mobolade, who is Colorado Springs’ first elected Black mayor.

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Mayor testifies in hate crime ‘hoax’ trial tied to 2023 election incident

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Right after the defense alleged the hate crime “hoax” that made headlines during the 2023 Colorado Springs mayoral runoff election was an act of “political theater,” Yemi Mobolade, now the city’s mayor, got emotional during his testimony Monday.

With only an hour left in the day’s proceedings, the prosecution called Mobolade to the stand. During his testimony, Mobolade teared up at times when identifying Derrick Bernard Jr., in the courtroom and seeing his defaced campaign sign again.

In November, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Colorado announced that three individuals were indicted by a federal grand jury for “maliciously conveying false information about a threat made by means of fire” to draw support for the eventual mayoral race winner, Mobolade, who is Colorado Springs’ first elected Black mayor.

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Judge denies motion to dismiss in Colorado Springs ‘hate crime hoax’ case

KRDO.COM, Approved, Local / / , , , ,

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – It’s been six months since three people were indicted after allegedly staging a hate crime to help a Black Colorado Springs candidate, Mayor Yemi Mobolade, win an election.

On Friday, a judge denied a motion to dismiss, signalling that the case will move forward and ultimately be heard by a jury.

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