Woman pleads guilty in cross-burning hoax during Colorado Springs mayoral campaign

A woman involved in a cross-burning incident intended to undermine the campaign of Colorado Springs' first Black mayor, Yemi Mobolade, pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges. Deanna West, along with two others, was indicted for the hoax that authorities claim was staged to create a perception of racial hostility against Mobolade leading up to the election. In federal court, West accepted a plea deal, agreeing to a count of conspiracy in exchange for the dismissal of an additional charge.

West, dependent on fellow defendant Derrick Bernard for support, participated in the scheme to gain favor with him. The conspiracy aimed to mislead the public into believing Mobolade faced threats due to his race. Following the staged cross burning, images were sent to media and civic groups to present an appearance of an assault on Mobolade’s campaign.

Defense attorneys for Bernard and a third defendant, Ashley Blackcloud, have argued that the evidence indicates their clients intended to generate outrage to help Mobolade's campaign rather than threaten him. They characterize the actions as political theater and assert it falls under free speech protections within the First Amendment. Both are seeking to have charges against them dropped, emphasizing that no immediate threats existed from the late-night incident.

Communication between Bernard and Mobolade occurred before and after the cross-burning, suggesting an unusual connection. Just days prior to the incident, Bernard indicated in a Facebook message that he was mobilizing support for Mobolade’s campaign while denouncing any intimidation from the Ku Klux Klan. Despite this, Mobolade has consistently maintained he had no knowledge of the planned crime or involvement in it.

Mobolade has publicly responded to the situation, stating he cooperated fully with investigators and provided all requested communications. A letter from the U.S. Department of Justice identified him as a potential victim during the investigation, further complicating the narrative surrounding the cross-burning and his campaign.