"Couple Convicted in Colorado Hate-Crime Hoax Linked to Mayoral Election Sparks Community Outrage"
DENVER — A federal jury in Denver has found Derrick Bernard Jr. and Ashley Blackcloud guilty of conspiracy and intimidation related to a hate-crime hoax that surfaced during the recent mayoral runoff in Colorado Springs. The jury deliberated for about four hours before reaching the verdict. Bernard, aged 35, and Blackcloud, 40, were convicted on one count each of conspiracy and of maliciously conveying false information to intimidate others. They now face potential sentences of up to 15 years in prison and fines totaling $500,000. Bernard’s sentencing is scheduled for September 11, while Blackcloud will … Read more