Federal trial testimony reveals Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade orchestrated a hate crime hoax to boost his 2023 election campaign, promising participants city funding and protection from prosecution.
Key Takeaways
- Derrick Bernard Jr. testified that Mayor Yemi Mobolade was directly involved in planning a fake hate crime to gain sympathy votes during his 2023 mayoral campaign.
- FBI Special Agent Ethan Doherty testified that Mobolade made false statements to federal investigators about his contact with Bernard.
- Despite testimony and evidence implicating him, Mobolade has denied involvement and claimed he was a genuine victim.
- The Justice Department reportedly declined to indict Mobolade for false statements, raising questions about political favoritism.
- City Councilman Dave Donelson has called for a thorough investigation into the mayor’s role in the staged incident.
Testimony Reveals Mayor’s Alleged Involvement in Hate Crime Staging
Damning testimony in federal court has implicated Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade in orchestrating a hate crime hoax designed to generate sympathy and secure his election in the traditionally Republican stronghold. During trial proceedings, Derrick Bernard Jr., one of the defendants convicted in the case, testified that Mobolade and other local politicians were directly involved in planning the staged incident, which featured a burning cross and defaced campaign sign. Bernard claimed the mayor promised to direct city funds to his radio station and provide protection from prosecution in exchange for help with staging the hoax.
“I had guarantees I would not be bothered,” said Derrick Bernard Jr. during his testimony in federal court.
Bernard and his co-defendant Ashley Blackcloud were both found guilty of conspiracy and maliciously conveying false information. A third participant, Deanna West, previously pleaded guilty and testified against them. The staged incident occurred during the final stretch of the 2023 mayoral campaign, which ultimately saw Mobolade, a Nigerian immigrant, win the election in what many considered a surprise victory for a non-Republican candidate in the traditionally conservative city.
FBI Evidence Points to Mayor’s Deception
FBI Special Agent Ethan Doherty provided crucial testimony that raised serious questions about Mayor Mobolade’s truthfulness. Doherty testified that Mobolade initially denied having any phone contact with Bernard, which was later proven false by investigation. The FBI agent confirmed that the mayor’s statements conflicted with evidence collected during their investigation. According to court documents, Mobolade appears to have misled federal investigators about key details of his interactions with Bernard both before and after the staged incident.
“I did not lie to the FBI,” said Mobolade in a statement responding to the allegations.
A Justice Department document revealed that Mobolade was under investigation for making false statements to federal officers, but that investigation was closed without charges. Sources suggested political considerations may have played a role in the decision not to indict the mayor. Emails obtained during the investigation showed that Mobolade’s team actively worked to discredit media reports about his false statements to the FBI, characterizing critical coverage as politically motivated rather than addressing the substance of the accusations.
Mayor Denies Involvement as City Council Calls for Investigation
Following the guilty verdicts for Bernard and Blackcloud, Mayor Mobolade released a statement positioning himself as a victim seeking closure. Despite the testimony and evidence presented in court, prosecutors curiously portrayed the mayor as an innocent party throughout the proceedings. This characterization has drawn criticism from those following the case, including members of the Colorado Springs City Council who have called for a thorough investigation into the mayor’s potential involvement.
“My wife and I are grateful that justice has been served with today’s guilty verdict for Ashley Blackcloud and Derrick Bernard. This moment brings a sense of closure and relief, not only for our family, but for the Colorado Springs community as a whole. We deeply appreciate the work of the judicial system, federal prosecutors, law enforcement, and everyone who worked diligently to bring this case to justice. Moments like this remind us that hate has no home in our city. As we move forward, we do so with gratitude, healing, and a commitment to the values that make Colorado Springs a safe, just, and united community,” said Mobolade after the verdict.
City Councilman Dave Donelson has been particularly vocal, questioning why the Department of Justice declined to pursue charges against Mobolade despite evidence suggesting he made false statements to investigators. The controversy continues to simmer as residents of Colorado Springs grapple with the possibility that their mayor may have manipulated public sentiment through a fabricated hate crime to secure electoral victory. With Bernard and Blackcloud now convicted, attention is increasingly turning to whether Mayor Mobolade will face any consequences for his alleged role in the deception.
