Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade has been arrested by the FBI over allegations of staging an incident to boost his chances in the election.

According to The Daily Wire, federal authorities are moving forward with charges against Mobolade, accusing him of making false statements related to a hoax involving a hate crime. The incident was reportedly designed to generate sympathy and increase voter turnout during his campaign.

On November 12, the acting U.S. attorney for the District of Colorado announced charges against three of Mobolade’s supporters—Derrick Bernard Jr., Ashley Blackcloud, and Deanna West. They are accused of defacing one of his campaign signs with a racial slur and setting up a burning cross nearby.

Reports suggest the group filmed the incident and shared it with media outlets to influence public opinion and encourage higher Black voter turnout for Mobolade.