Colorado Lawmaker Resigns After Facing Felony Charges of Falsifying Residency

Philip CaldwellJanuary 11, 2023

Police say that ‘cobwebs’ were found in an apartment Democrat claimed to have lived in.

Former Colorado state representative Tracey Barnett (D.) Philip Caldwell • January 11, 2023 1:00 pm

A Colorado Democratic state lawmaker has resigned after being charged with felony fraud. She was accused of falsifying her residency to be able to run for office in her district in the wake of last year’s redistricting.

Prosecutors claim Tracey Bernett was a representative for part of Boulder County in Colorado House of Representatives. She lied in sworn records when she claimed she lived in an apartment in her new district. The apartment was allegedly left unused and accumulated dust. “cobwebs,” CPR News reports that Bernett remained in her old home within the new boundaries of the district, despite police confirming this. reported.

Bernett is facing three felony and two misdemeanor charges in connection to the alleged scheme. If convicted, she could spend years in prison. These charges were filed days before the November election. Many early votes had already been cast and Bernett was on her way to victory.

The Democrat has not admitted guilt in announcing her resignation. However, her lawyers have stated that she is resigning her seat. “while addressing these charges rather than compromising the policy initiatives she deems important to those living in House District 12 and the citizens of Colorado.”

Colorado Republicans slammed Bernett for “undermin[ing] democracy” She was then confronted by the charges in November.

“Bernett disenfranchised Colorado voters by lying about where she voted and where she lives and, in effect, undermined our democracy,” Kristi Burton, Republican Party state chairwoman, stated.