Colorado Springs man accused of ‘hate crime hoax’ sentenced

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- A Colorado Springs man was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison after being found guilty of staging a cross-burning in front of then-candidate Yemi Mobolade's campaign sign during the 2023 election.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado (USACO) says Derrick Bernard, 36, was found guilty of conspiring to convey false information about a threat after he publicized the incident and falsely blamed Mobolade's political opponent for the crime. 

USACO says evidence in the trial showed that Bernard 10 days before the cross-burning, sent a message to the candidate to discuss his actions. "I am mobilizing my squad in defense," Bernard wrote in the message. "Black ops style big brother." Immediately after sending that message, Bernard sent a text to co-defendant Ashley Blackcloud stating, "I got a plan."

According to USACO, following the cross-burning, Bernard and Blackcloud worked together to email media outlets and local, state, and national organizations. They attached a short video and a still photograph of the burning cross to the email. Prosecutors said the message falsely blamed Mobolade's political opponent for the crime.

Colorado Springs Police Department uncovered these actions with surveillance footage that revealed three people prowling through the darkness between 2:30 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. to stage the crime, says USACO.

The investigation into the footage led to the identification of Bernard and Blackcloud, according to USACO.

In addition to the prison term, Bernard was ordered to serve three years of supervised release and pay a $200 special assessment, confirms USACO.

Mayor Yemi released the following statement after the sentencing:

“Today’s sentencing brings accountability and closure to a deeply painful chapter for my family. What happened was intentional, calculated, and deeply disturbing. The actions carried out by Mr. Bernard caused real harm; not only to my family, but to others as well. It was meant to intimidate, to divide, and to instill fear; something no family should ever have to endure. and, as Judge Rodriguez noted in her ruling, it also sought to disrupt and undermine our local democratic process.

I moved to this city fifteen years ago as a pastor. And as we enter Holy Week, I am reminded that the cross has always represented hope, sacrifice, and love. What was used in this act; a burning cross; was a distortion of that sacred symbol; twisted to spread fear and hatred. And yet, even in the face of that, I choose not to let it define my heart or my response.

I am grateful to our law enforcement partners and the justice system for their diligence in pursuing this case. Accountability matters. It affirms that acts of hate will not be tolerated and sends a clear message: hate has no home in Colorado Springs. This experience has changed me, but it has not shaken my resolve. If anything, it has strengthened my commitment to lead with courage, compassion, and conviction. We will move forward together as one community; choosing unity over division, light over darkness, and hope over fear. Onward and upward.”

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