Colorado Election Security Expert Seeks $62.7M in Denver Federal Court as MyPillow CEO Defamation Trial Wraps
A Colorado-based election security expert's fight for justice reached a crucial turning point Friday as a federal jury in Denver began deliberations in a high-stakes defamation case against MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell. Eric Coomer, a former Dominion Voting Systems executive and Colorado resident, is seeking $62.7 million in damages after allegedly being forced from his career by widespread conspiracy theories.
The case, unfolding in U.S. District Court in Denver, highlights the personal toll of election misinformation on Colorado's cybersecurity professionals and election workers. Local election officials across the Centennial State have faced similar challenges as conspiracy theories continue to impact Colorado's election integrity workers.
Impact on Colorado's Election Security Community
The trial, which began on June 2, has drawn attention from Colorado's election security professionals and county clerks who have witnessed firsthand the effects of election conspiracy theories on their work. Coomer's legal team argues that Lindell's actions had devastating consequences for their client's career and personal life in Colorado.
"(Plaintiff Eric Coomer) was accused of a crime — not an alleged crime, as you see on the TV news broadcast, an actual crime. And (with the suggestion) that there was evidence for that crime," stated Charles J. Cain, Coomer's attorney, during closing arguments.
The Colorado Connection
The case has strong ties to Colorado beyond Coomer's residence. Evidence presented at trial included a 2021 "Cyber Symposium" where Lindell featured Colorado podcast host Joe Oltmann, who had previously made unsubstantiated claims linking Coomer to election fraud conspiracies.
Damages Sought
Coomer is requesting:
- $2.7 million in economic damages
- $20 million in noneconomic damages
- $40 million in punitive damages
This case follows other significant legal actions in Colorado's fight against election misinformation. Denver-based Dominion Voting Systems, Coomer's former employer, previously secured an $800 million settlement with Fox News. Additionally, Coomer settled a lawsuit with Newsmax in 2021, which included a public retraction and apology.
Awaiting Verdict
The jury began deliberations Friday afternoon and is expected to continue on Monday. The outcome of this trial could have lasting implications for Colorado's election security professionals and set precedents for how election misinformation cases are handled in the Mountain West region.
For Colorado's election workers and cybersecurity professionals, this case represents more than just a legal battle - it's about protecting the integrity of our state's election system and the dedicated professionals who maintain it.
This article contains AI-generated content and reflects opinion only. Readers are encouraged to verify all information independently before drawing conclusions or making decisions.
