An election clerk in Mesa County, Colorado who has been charged with 10 criminal counts claims that she committed the violations after being “encouraged” to do so by Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO).
Tina Peters, according to a report from The New York Times, has in the past made bogus allegations that the 2020 election was stolen, fueling right-wing conspiracy theories that failed, one-term former president Donald Trump was the victor, even though multiple recounts and election audits in several key battleground states have yet to uncover a shred of evidence that would support any voter fraud:
“Ms. Peters was indicted on 10 criminal counts related to the effort to copy voting equipment software, including attempting to influence a public servant, criminal impersonation, conspiracy to commit criminal impersonation, identity theft and first-degree official misconduct.”
Peters now claims that what she did was at the behest of Boebert, alleging that the congresswoman “encouraged me to go forward with the imaging” of voting machines.
A spokesperson for Boebert denied that Peters insisted the election clerk was making false claims.
In the past, however, Bobert has been supportive of Peters, remarking in a statement she issued:
“Many of the constituents I represent have expressed concern about the ongoing investigation into Mesa County Clerk and Recorder Tina Peters. At my request, I recently received a briefing from District Attorney Dan Rubinstein. He addressed my concerns about the involvement of the FBI and the absolute necessity for the presumption of innocence to be extended to all of those being investigated. As many of you know, I have been a vocal opponent of the overreach and targeted nature of the FBI’s activities on a national level. It was clear from our conversation that the District Attorney is being responsible in his approach and conducting his work in as timely and professional a manner as possible, as well as providing local oversight of the FBI’s role. I will continue to be briefed as the investigation proceeds and can reassure everyone that I will continue to advocate for fairness, timeliness, and strict adherence to the proper investigative process.”
