Derrick Patrick Bernard is the figure at the center of a federal indictment and political dust-up involving an alleged hate crime hoax in the closing days of the 2023 Colorado Springs mayoral election.

But before his complicated career in Colorado Springs, Bernard had already had his share of run-ins with the law in his home state.

Born in Florida in 1989, Bernard was 15 when state records indicate he was first arrested for petty theft. Just two months later he would be arrested again, this time for felony burglary and grand theft.

More charges would follow: possessing an incendiary device at school, trespassing on school grounds, more petty larceny, probation violation, contempt of court, and marijuana possession all before the age of 18.

Turning 18, and thus a full-fledged adult in the eyes of the Florida justice system, did not seem to dissuade Bernard. He was convicted of conducting a home invasion with a weapon just months after his birthday, and sentenced to four years of prison.

He served around two years.

Having served his first prison term, Bernard faced a smattering of probation violation charges. In the years that followed he would face a series of serious felonies, including grand theft, aggravated battery with a firearm and even attempted first-degree murder — but all of those charges were eventually dropped.

Sometime during his life in Florida, Bernard joined a Bloods-affiliated street gang, according to Colorado Springs police.

Bernard says he moved to Colorado Springs in early 2016.