A Colorado woman has pleaded guilty to a federal charge related to a 2023 hate crime hoax involving a burning cross and a defaced campaign sign. Deanna West, 38, admitted to maliciously conveying false information with a threat, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado. The incident, which took place on April 23, 2023, targeted a mayoral campaign sign for then-candidate Yemi Mobolade in Colorado Springs.
West conspired with two others, Derrick Bernard Jr. and Ashley Blackcloud, both of whom have been indicted and are awaiting trial. Prosecutors say the three orchestrated the hoax by burning a cross near Mobolade’s campaign sign and later spreading false information about the event.
Mobolade, originally from Nigeria, won the mayoral election in a runoff against Wayne Williams on May 16, 2023. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Bernard sent messages before the runoff election stating he was “mobilizing my squad in defense. Black ops style big brother.” He also referenced a desire to prevent “the klan” from gaining control of the city.
Federal prosecutors allege the trio attempted to manipulate public perception by sending an anonymous email to various news and civic organizations, falsely presenting the incident as a legitimate hate crime. Authorities later determined the event was staged.
In December 2024, Mobolade addressed the controversy, emphasizing his complete cooperation with investigators. “I fully and truthfully cooperated throughout this investigation. I had no knowledge, warning, or involvement in this crime. I did not lie to the FBI. I voluntarily provided all requested communication without a subpoena,” he stated, according to KKTV.
West’s sentencing is pending, and Bernard and Blackcloud are scheduled for trial. The case highlights concerns over false hate crime reports and their impact on public trust.
