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Testimony Reveals Local Politicians' Alleged Involvement in Hate Crime "Hoax"

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A federal hate crime "hoax" trial in Denver has taken a dramatic turn as one of the co-defendants has testified that local politicians played a part in planning the incident. Derrick Bernard Jr., 35, testified on Thursday that then-candidate Yemi Mobolade was behind the plan and worked with state Rep. Regina English, D-Colorado Springs, to set the stage for him to win the election.

Bernard claimed that Mobolade knew about the "hoax" and planned it "carefully" to ensure he would not be investigated. He also alleged that Mobolade promised to "squash" the story when Bernard expressed concern over backlash. Mobolade testified he could not remember what the call was about, but said he would have reported Bernard to the authorities had the "hoax" been a topic of conversation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Derrick Bernard Jr. testified that local politicians, including Yemi Mobolade and state Rep. Regina English, played a part in planning the hate crime "hoax" during the 2023 Colorado Springs mayoral runoff election.
  • Bernard claimed that Mobolade knew about the "hoax" and planned it "carefully" to ensure he would not be investigated.
  • Mobolade initially denied having the phone call with Bernard, but later testified that he could not remember what the call was about.
  • Bernard also alleged that Mobolade promised to "squash" the story when Bernard expressed concern over backlash.
  • FBI Special Agent Ethan Doherty testified that the investigators believed the crime was staged, likely by Mobolade supporters, as early as July 2023.
  • Mobolade was under criminal investigation, but no charges were filed, according to a letter from the U.S. Attorney's Office.
  • Mobolade started using a new personal cellphone the day after the "hoax," and had previously made false statements to federal agencies.

Statistics:

  • Three people were indicted for staging a hate crime incident during the 2023 mayoral runoff campaign.
  • Two suspects, Derrick Bernard Jr. and Ashley Blackcloud, are facing federal charges related to the hate crime "hoax."
  • The investigation began in November 2023 when the U.S. Attorney's Office for Colorado announced a federal grand jury had indicted three individuals.
  • Videos and photographs of the incident were sent to media outlets along the Front Range, drawing widespread attention to the "hoax."

Sources:

  • "Woman testifies against her alleged co-conspirators on day 3 of cross-burning hate crime 'hoax' trial," The Gazette (Colorado Springs, Colo.), no date.
  • "Colorado Springs mayor grilled on day 2 of hate crime 'hoax' trial," The Gazette (Colorado Springs, Colo.), no date.
  • "Colorado Springs mayor testifies, gets emotional on day 1 of cross burning hate crime 'hoax' trial," The Gazette (Colorado Springs, Colo.), no date.
  • "The rise and fall of former Mobolade booster Derrick Bernard Jr., and his radio station, The Slide," The Gazette (Colorado Springs, Colo.), no date.
  • "U.S. Attorney's Office for Colorado announcement of indictment, November 2023."

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