Judge denies release of ex‑Colorado clerk Tina Peters
A federal judge denied the release of former Colorado clerk Tina Peters, who was convicted in a 2020 election scheme. Her attorney, Peter Ticktin, wrote to former President Trump alleging Peters was threatened and violently attacked by inmates on three occasions, repeatedly denied placement in a "safe unit," and was interviewed by the FBI and DOJ before being moved to another unit, and urged Trump to pardon her despite her state conviction — a pardon Gov. Jared Polis has said he will not grant.
📌 Key Facts
- Attorney Peter Ticktin sent a Saturday letter to President Trump alleging ex‑Colorado clerk Tina Peters was threatened and violently attacked by inmates on three occasions and was denied placement in a 'safe unit' six times.
- The letter says the FBI and DOJ interviewed Peters after earlier threats and that she was subsequently moved to a different unit.
- Ticktin argues President Trump has the authority to pardon Peters despite her state conviction and urged him to do so; Colorado Gov. Jared Polis has said he will not pardon her.
- Fox News published the attorney’s letter in full and included direct quotes from it.
- Fox News reported these assertions on December 10, 2025.
📊 Relevant Data
The President's pardon power applies only to offenses against the United States and does not extend to state or local crimes.
Overview of Pardon Power — Constitution Annotated
In 2023, Black (non-Hispanic) individuals comprised 17.7% of Colorado's prison population (3,094 prisoners) while making up 4.18% of the state's general population.
Prisoners in 2023 – Statistical Tables — Bureau of Justice Statistics
In 2022, Black people in Colorado were arrested for violent offenses at a rate 4.5 times higher than their share of the state population.
Colorado Criminal Justice Data Snapshot — Council on Criminal Justice
In a multi-racial post-election survey after 2020, 30% of Black Americans believed voter fraud took place during the 2020 presidential election, compared to nearly 60% of White Americans.
Black Americans Aren't Buying Election-Year Falsehoods. Here's Why. — RAND Corporation
In April 2025, four Democratic House members traveled to El Salvador to demand the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was deported by the Trump administration as an alleged MS-13 gang member, with Democrats arguing the deportation was wrongful.
House Democrats land in El Salvador, demand Abrego Garcia's return — NPR
📰 Sources (2)
- Peters’ attorney Peter Ticktin sent a Saturday letter to President Trump alleging Peters was threatened and then violently attacked by inmates on three occasions and denied placement in a 'safe unit' six times.
- The letter claims the FBI and DOJ interviewed Peters after earlier threats and that she was moved to a different unit.
- Ticktin argues Trump has authority to pardon Peters despite her state conviction and urges him to do so; Colorado Gov. Jared Polis has said he will not pardon Peters.
- Fox News includes direct quotes from the attorney’s letter and publishes it in full.