Mayoral candidate insists she’s innocent
A woman running for Colorado Springs mayor said she’s innocent and will continue to campaign for the city’s top seat.
Justine Herring sat down for an exclusive interview with KRDO NewsChannel 13.
Herring is facing several charges including felony menacing and impersonating a police officer. Police said she pointed an AR-15 rifle at a man in Memorial Park on Saturday.
Herring said the allegations are not true.
“I can tell you, not guilty at all,” said Herring.”I don’t even have a gun, as they are making all this hoopla,” said Herring.
She sees herself as a viable candidate for mayor in the upcoming election.
“I see all this misuse of our taxpayer’s dollars,” said Herring. “I have basically solved all the problems that we are facing [in Colorado Springs].”
She said her time in jail is a setback. However, she said the publicity may actually help her generate votes in the election.
“I think in the end, because the truth will prevail, I’m going to win this election. I hope. I think the future of our city needs this. I plan on making this a crime-free city and the No. 1 place in the United States of America to live,” said Herring.
The past five years have been tough on Herring.
“I lost my career with RE/MAX. I lost everything I owned,” said Herring. “I struggled here and there. I ended up losing five houses.”
A video online shows Herring driving around Colorado Springs, hanging out with homeless people and shopping at liquor stores. Herring said the video is from a dark time in her past.
“I never had the intention of running for mayor when I made the video, I was desperate to try to make money,” said Herring.
Herring’s phone number is also listed on a website advertising for escort services. She said while she was previously incarcerated, criminals had access to her personal information and posted it on the site.
“Criminals were left in my home and I guess they had a field day,” said Herring. “I have never been a prostitute ever.”
Herring said if she is not elected mayor, she has bigger plans.
“I am headed to Washington, D.C., for the 2016 presidential election for the United States of America,” said Herring.
But Herring got emotional at the thought of leaving Colorado Springs.
“This is where I want to be. But maybe it’s not meant to be, I’m sorry,” said Herring.
By sharing her story, Herring hopes people sympathize with her.
“I think in the end, the people will see me as one of them. Obviously I have made bad choices, but I don’t think bad choices mean you’re a bad person,” said Herring.
Herring was released Wednesday night on a total of $8,000 bond.
Her next court appearance is Jan. 16.
