Deanna West Pleads Guilty to Hate Crime Hoax in Colorado Springs Mayoral Race

Deanna West, 38, has pleaded guilty to a federal charge related to a hate crime hoax involving a burning cross placed in front of a campaign sign for then-candidate Yemi Mobolade during the Colorado Springs mayoral race in April 2023. Along with two co-defendants, West staged the incident to create false narratives intended to intimidate and mislead the public, which included sending a photo and video of the staged event to media outlets. The conspiracy aimed to influence the upcoming election, and Mobolade, who is Colorado Springs' first Black mayor, has stated he had no involvement in the crime. West is set to be sentenced on June 13, 2025, while her co-defendants are awaiting trial and have filed motions claiming violations of their constitutional rights. Defense arguments suggest the actions were intended as political theater rather than genuine threats, challenging the prosecution's claims. The case has drawn significant attention as it intersects issues of race, political manipulation, and legal accountability in electoral processes.