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Former Colorado clerk Tina Peters faces prison violence while serving election misconduct sentence, attorney claims in letter to Trump
A 70-year-old former Colorado county clerk convicted for her role in a 2020 election denial scheme has been violently attacked by fellow inmates multiple times during her incarceration, according to her attorney. Peter Ticktin made the allegations in a letter addressed to President Donald Trump, who has previously expressed strong support for Tina Peters.
Peters is currently serving a nine-year sentence in Colorado after a state jury found her guilty of participating in a scheme to breach Mesa County voting systems following the 2020 presidential election. She is the only Trump ally to receive prison time for 2020 election denial activities.
In his letter to the president, Ticktin detailed a pattern of threats and violence against his client. “About 6 months ago, Mrs. Peters was threatened with harm. Her life was threatened by a group of inmates, to stab her and to kill her,” he wrote, adding that the threats were reported to federal authorities, who subsequently interviewed Peters.
After being moved to a different unit, Peters allegedly faced further violence. “She was attacked by other prisoners three times in different locations where guards had to pull inmates off of her,” according to Ticktin. The attorney claimed that Peters has repeatedly applied for transfer to a safer unit designated for non-problematic inmates but has been denied six times “without a valid reason.”
The case has attracted significant attention from Trump, who has characterized Peters as “an innocent Political Prisoner” subjected to “Cruel and Unusual Punishment.” In a May post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote: “This is a Communist persecution by the Radical Left Democrats to cover up their Election crimes and misdeeds in 2020.”
Trump has repeatedly called for Colorado authorities to release Peters, describing her as “a grandmother whose brave and heroic son gave his life for America.”
Ticktin’s letter goes beyond reporting the alleged prison violence, making a lengthy constitutional argument that Trump has the authority to pardon Peters despite her being convicted on state, rather than federal, charges. Legal experts widely agree that presidential pardon power extends only to federal offenses, with state pardons reserved for governors.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis, a Democrat, has explicitly rejected the possibility of pardoning Peters, stating he would not participate in “any scheme to prevent her from being held accountable under Colorado law.”
Peters’ incarceration stems from her actions following the 2020 election when, as Mesa County Clerk, she was involved in efforts to breach local voting systems. The case represents one of the most significant criminal prosecutions related to election denial conspiracies that emerged after the 2020 presidential contest.
Just this week, Peters faced another legal setback when Judge Scott Varholak rejected her lawsuit seeking release. Her legal team had argued that her First Amendment rights were violated, but the court disagreed.
The case highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the 2020 election and the legal consequences faced by those who acted on claims of election fraud that courts across the country have consistently rejected. Peters’ situation has become a rallying point for some Trump supporters who view her prosecution as politically motivated, while others see it as necessary accountability for undermining election integrity.
As Peters continues serving her sentence, her attorney’s allegations of prison violence add another layer to a case that sits at the intersection of criminal justice, electoral politics, and presidential powers.
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9 Comments
This is a concerning report about the treatment of a controversial political figure in prison. While I don’t condone violence, I wonder if there are any details on the circumstances leading to these alleged attacks. It’s important to understand the full context before drawing conclusions.
Agreed, the safety and humane treatment of all prisoners should be paramount, regardless of their political views or convictions. Transparency around this case will be crucial.
This is a complex and sensitive situation. While I don’t condone Ms. Peters’ alleged actions, the reports of prison violence are disturbing. Prisoner safety and rehabilitation should be the top priorities, not retaliation. I hope the authorities address this matter promptly and transparently.
Well said. Upholding the rule of law and principles of justice requires treating all individuals, even those convicted of crimes, with basic dignity and respect. Transparency and accountability will be crucial in this case.
The reports of violence against Ms. Peters in prison are concerning, regardless of one’s views on her actions. Prisoner safety and humane treatment should be a fundamental priority for the justice system. I hope the authorities investigate this incident thoroughly and take appropriate actions to protect vulnerable inmates.
Allegations of prison violence are always troubling, regardless of the inmate’s background. I hope the authorities thoroughly investigate this matter and ensure Ms. Peters’ wellbeing. Prison should be a place of rehabilitation, not retaliation.
Well said. The justice system must uphold its principles of fairness and due process, even for those convicted of crimes. Protecting the vulnerable is a true measure of a society’s values.
While I have concerns about Ms. Peters’ actions related to the 2020 election, no one deserves to be subjected to violence in prison. The justice system must ensure the safety and security of all incarcerated individuals. I hope this incident is swiftly and thoroughly investigated.
Absolutely. Regardless of one’s political leanings or criminal history, basic human rights and dignity must be respected. Prisons have a duty of care that should not be violated, even for controversial figures.