Read about Tina Peters, the county clerk who landed up with a 9-year prison sentence and has Trump calling for her release. Here’s the full story.

Who is Tina Peters

Tina Peters is a 69-year-old woman who served as an elected county official. She was responsible for local elections and maintaining public records, holding the position of county clerk of Mesa County, Colorado, from 2018 through 2023, where she oversaw elections.

Let’s backtrack a little: Why is she in prison right now?

According to Colorado Public Radio, Peters became the subject of a state investigation in 2021 after classified Mesa County voting data was leaked online. She was accused of enabling a person associated with Mike Lindell, the CEO of MyPillow- who claimed the 2020 election was rigged- to gain unwarranted access to voting machines during a software upgrade.

Peters herself was a prominent election denier. In August 2024, a jury found her guilty on three felony counts, including first-degree official misconduct and noncompliance with Secretary of State regulations.

Following this, Peters received a nine-year (8 ½ years and six months to be exact) prison sentence. According to ABC News, she asked the judge for compassion during her sentencing, stating that she “never did anything with malice” and believed she was acting in the best interest of her county. “I am remorseful. I’m asking for leniency,” she said.

Tina Peters: Early Life

Born in Colorado, Tina Peters grew up in a family that valued service. Remington J. Peters, her son, was a U.S. Navy SEAL who tragically lost his life in a parachute accident during a New York City air show in 2017. Peters was profoundly impacted by this loss, which then had an impact on her subsequent political activities.

Prior to entering politics, Peters held several jobs, including managing a construction business with her ex-husband and selling dietary supplements via a multi-level marketing firm. She later graduated from Clayton College of Natural Health, an unaccredited university, with a degree in holistic nutrition.

Where Does Trump Come In?

On Thursday, on his Truth Social platform,

“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. 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!!!”
States Trump.

However, since Tina is a state, not federal, offender, and federal authorities do not have the power to reverse a state court conviction, Trump cannot directly release her or overturn her sentence, though he has actively pushed to intervene in her case.

Even though Trump’s threat does not carry much weight, the administration still has the capacity to take legal action against the state over its immigration policies or to withdraw federal assistance.