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 pivotal moment 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 who calls Colorado home, is seeking $62.7 million in damages for what his attorneys describe as career-destroying false accusations.
The case, unfolding in Denver's U.S. District Court, highlights the personal toll of election conspiracy theories on Colorado's cybersecurity professionals and election workers. Coomer's legal team argues that Lindell's public accusations of "treasonous" behavior have devastated their client's career in election security and severely impacted his life in our Colorado community.
"The defendants didn't just act with reckless disregard, they acted with no regard as to who they were going to put on stage and what they were going to say," stated Charles J. Cain, Coomer's attorney, during Friday's closing arguments.
The trial, which has drawn significant attention across the Front Range, centers on several key events, including a 2021 "Cyber Symposium" where Lindell provided a platform for Colorado podcast host Joe Oltmann to spread unsubstantiated claims about Coomer's involvement in alleged election fraud.
Breaking Down the Damages
Coomer's legal team has outlined specific damages they're seeking:
- $2.7 million in economic damages
- $20 million in noneconomic damages
- $40 million in punitive damages
This case follows a broader pattern of election-related legal settlements in Colorado. Dominion Voting Systems, which maintained its headquarters in Denver, previously secured a settlement with Newsmax that included a public retraction and apology.
Impact on Colorado's Election Security Community
The case has sent ripples through Colorado's cybersecurity and election security sectors, raising concerns about the professional risks faced by technical experts who work to protect our state's voting systems. Local election security professionals worry that unfounded accusations could deter talented individuals from entering the field, potentially impacting the integrity of future Colorado elections.
The jury began deliberations Friday afternoon and is expected to continue weighing the evidence when court resumes Monday. Their decision could set a significant precedent for how Colorado's courts handle cases involving election-related defamation claims and protect local election workers from unfounded accusations.
This article contains AI-generated content and reflects opinion only. Readers are encouraged to verify all information independently before drawing conclusions or making decisions.
