Tina Peters Bid for Freedom Fails

Published: Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 8:57 am

Former Colorado Clerk's Bid for Freedom Denied

A federal judge has denied a request for release from prison by Tina Peters, the former Colorado county clerk convicted of tampering with voting machines. Peters, 70, was seeking to be released on bond while she appeals her conviction related to the 2020 presidential election.

Peters was found guilty in October 2024 of facilitating unauthorized access to Mesa County's voting systems. The breach resulted in sensitive election data being leaked online. Following her conviction, she was sentenced to nine years in prison at La Vista Correctional Facility.

The former clerk filed a federal lawsuit arguing that the state judge violated her First Amendment rights by considering her election-related statements during sentencing. However, Judge Scott T. Varholak dismissed her challenge, citing a lack of subject matter jurisdiction. The judge noted that Peters' claims are currently under review by Colorado's appellate courts.

At her sentencing, the state judge described Peters as a "charlatan" who endangered the community by spreading misinformation about voting. Peters' state appeal is still pending, and the federal court has emphasized that any constitutional issues must first be addressed within the state court system.

BNN's Perspective: This case highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding election integrity and the legal consequences of actions taken to challenge established voting processes. While the court's decision to uphold the state's jurisdiction is procedural, it underscores the importance of resolving legal challenges within the appropriate channels. The outcome of Peters' state appeal will be crucial in determining the final outcome of this case and its implications for future election-related disputes.

Keywords: Tina Peters, Colorado, election tampering, voting machines, Mesa County, conviction, appeal, federal court, First Amendment, sentencing, election fraud, La Vista Correctional Facility

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