DENVER — . Three Colorado Springs people are facing federal charges after investigators say they staged a hate crime hoax leading up to the 2023 mayoral election.

The video, which was shared with local media including News5, shows a racially spray-painted wooden cross on a campaign sign for then-candidate Yemi Mobolade.

Derrick Bernard Jr., Ashley Blackcloud and Deanna West face two counts each: conspiracy to defraud the United States and using fire to intimidate.

The indictment says the trio was affiliated with a local non-profit organization called “Family Flavors the Slide,” which “marketed itself as as a minority-owned independent broadcasting and multimedia organization.”

Mobolade is not named in the indictment, he is only called “Candidate 1”, his opponent in the round, former city councilor Wayne Williams is called “Candidate 2”.

The indictment says one of the suspects, Bernard at one point sent a message to Mobolade on social media saying he was “mobilizing his squadron”. The full text of what was sent in the message is below.

“I know it’s crunch time, sir, but look. . . I talked to some of my friends from other places and theirs (sic) a plot in the middle of . . . I’m mobilizing my squadron
in defense and for the final push. Black Ops style big brother. The clan cannot be allowed to rule this city again.”

The indictment does not say whether or not Mobolade responded to the message or whether the group was affiliated with his campaign.

News5 reached out to the mayor’s office for comment, they said the mayor is out of town. News5 will update this story as more information becomes available.

WATCH: CSPD investigates video showing vandalized campaign sign behind burning cross

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Original drawing of the purple heart exhibited at the Money Museum

The Colorado Springs Money Museum displays an original drawing of the medal by its designer, John Sinnock. It gives people a chance to learn about the history of the medal and it’s representation of the dangers faced by members of the Armed Forces.

Original drawing of the Violet Heart exhibited at the Money Museum

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