**Colorado Court Heightens Security Following Threats After Former Clerk Sentenced in Election Case**

After sentencing former county clerk Tina Peters to a nine-year prison term, a Colorado court is dealing with threats against District Court Judge Matthew Barrett and his staff. The threats began following Peters' conviction on charges linked to the dissemination of discredited claims about the 2020 presidential election's integrity.

Peters, previously celebrated by election deniers, was implicated in utilizing a stolen security badge to infiltrate the county voting system. The involved individual was tied to MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, known for promoting false conspiracy theories about alleged election fraud. This led to her conviction on four felony charges in August.

In the wake of the sentencing, the Mesa County Sheriff's Office has launched an investigation into multiple threats received by courthouse personnel. "Our Intel Unit thoroughly vets any threats; any viable threat will be taken seriously," said Mesa County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Wendy Likes. Additional security measures have been implemented to protect court employees.

Judge Barrett criticized Peters' persistent push of baseless claims during the sentencing, dismissing them as untrustworthy and self-serving. Peters, who lost her primary election in 2022, was accused of being excessively focused on media attention and personal gain rather than genuine election concerns.

The courthouse has since been bolstered with extra security to address these threats and maintain the safety of all involved.