Colorado Man Sentenced to 46 Months for Cross-Burning Conspiracy

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A 36-year-old Colorado Springs man named Derrick Bernard was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison for his role in a conspiracy to burn a cross in front of a Black political candidate's campaign sign. Bernard and co-defendant Ashley Blackcloud were convicted of conspiring to threaten or convey false information about a threat, with evidence showing they attempted to frame the candidate's political opponent for the crime.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing threat of racially-motivated crimes and political intimidation tactics targeting candidates of color. The cross-burning incident occurred just weeks before a mayoral runoff election, raising concerns about the integrity of the democratic process.

The details

On April 23, 2023, about three weeks before the Colorado Springs mayoral runoff election, Bernard and Blackcloud targeted a campaign sign that had been defaced with a racial slur. They conspired to burn a cross in front of the sign in an attempt to threaten the Black candidate. After the cross burning, Bernard and Blackcloud distributed a video and photo of the act, falsely claiming the candidate's political opponent was responsible.

• On April 23, 2023, Bernard and Blackcloud burned a cross in front of the candidate's campaign sign.
• 10 days before the cross burning, Bernard sent a threatening message to the candidate, claiming he was 'mobilizing my squad in defense. Black ops style big brother.'

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Colorado Springs Police Department and FBI Denver Field Office continue to investigate any potential ties between Bernard, Blackcloud, and other extremist groups or individuals who may have been involved in the cross-burning conspiracy.