Colorado Springs man sentenced to 46 months in prison for staging hate hoax cross burning to help Mayor Yemi Mobolade's campaign
Bernard circulated photos showing a burned cross next to a campaign sign for Mobolade that had the N-word painted on it.
Hayden Cunningham
Apr 1, 2026
A Colorado Springs man has been sentenced to 46 months in federal prison after staging a hate crime in an effort to generate support for a black mayoral candidate in 2023.
36-year-old Derrick Bernard offered to help Yemi Mobolade gain attention during his 2023 campaign. Bernard reportedly sent messages promising “Black ops style big brother,” and “I can guarantee the finish.” Bernard would go on to circulate photos showing a burned cross next to a campaign sign for Mobolade that had the N-word painted on it.
The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) initially reviewed surveillance footage from the scene, identifying three individuals late at night staging the incident. A federal investigation by the FBI determined the hate crime was a hoax intended to drive voter turnout.
Mobolade went on to win the election with 58 percent of the vote, becoming the first black mayor of Colorado Springs. He testified during the trial that he had no knowledge of Bernard’s actions and said the incident caused fear for his family.
https://thepostmillennial.com/colorado-springs-man-sentenced-to-46-months-in-prison-for-staging-hate-hoax-cross-burning-to-help-mayor-yemi-mobolades-campaign#google_vignette
