DOJ investigates Colorado prison housing Tina Peters over civil rights violations
The judge rejected a lawsuit from Peters that argued her free speech rights had been violated, and ruled she will be remaining in prison.
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The judge rejected a lawsuit from Peters that argued her free speech rights had been violated, and ruled she will be remaining in prison.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has launched a civil investigation into the Colorado prison where Tina Peters is being housed. Peters is currently incarcerated at the La Vista Correctional Facility, one of the 21 correction facilities within the scope of the investigation.
The DOJ's concern is over the conditions of the prisons and their youth facilities. Peters, a Trump supporter, was convicted of 4 felonies and 3 misdemeanors over an election security breach in 2021 over the 2020 presidential election. Many in the MAGA movement have called for the 70-year-old's release as she is reportedly facing a steep decline in her health.
"The Constitution protects every American, whether they are a young person confined in a juvenile facility or an elderly person confined to a prison. We are committed to upholding our federal civil rights laws so that no one is subject to unconstitutional mistreatment when held in state custody," Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division said.
In a letter from Dhillon to Democrat Colorado Governor Jared Polis, the assistant attorney general wrote that the DOJ will determine whether Colorado "engages in a pattern or practice of violating the constitutional rights of prisoners held at DOC facilities by failing to provide adequate medical care and safe and sanitary physical conditions of confinement, and whether Colorado violates the rights of detainees by failing to protect youth in DYS facilities from use of excessive force and failing to provide adequate nutrition to detainees."
If violations are found, the federal government will “work with the State to remedy those violations.”
The Trump administration has pressured Colorado to release Peters from prison. The president called for her release, and said if she was not, he was going to “take harsh measures.” Earlier this year, Peters filed a motion to be released, alleging that her free speech rights have been violated.
“FREE TINA PETERS, a brave and innocent Patriot who has been tortured by Crooked Colorado politicians, including the big Mail-In Ballot supporting the governor of the State. Let Tina Peters out of jail, RIGHT NOW,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
"She did nothing wrong, except catching the Democrats cheat in the Election. She is an old woman, and very sick. If she is not released, I am going to take harsh measures!!!" Trump added at the time.
On Monday, Judge Scott Varholak rejected the lawsuit from Peters that argued her free speech rights had been violated, and that she will be remaining in prison, per Fox News. Polis has vowed not to pardon Peters and said he would not take part in "any scheme to prevent her from being held accountable under Colorado law."
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