Four Oath Keeper Members Convicted of Jan 6 Seditious Conspiracy
Four of the four defendants were convicted by jurors Oath Keepers January 23, 2019, of seditious conspiracies in the Jan. 6, 2021 breach of the U.S. Capitol
Joseph Hackett from Sarasota in Florida, Roberto Minuta from Prosper, Texas, David Moerschel of Punta Gorda, Florida, and Edward Vallejo (Phoenix) were convicted of seditious conspiracies and other crimes related the breach.
Federal law defines seditious conspiracies as two or more individuals conspiring to do something. “overthrow, put down, or to destroy by force the Government of the United States, or to levy war against them, or to oppose by force the authority thereof, or by force to prevent, hinder, or delay the execution of any law of the United States, or by force to seize, take, or possess any property of the United States contrary to the authority thereof.”
This charge can lead to up to 20 years imprisonment.
The Oath Keepers are a group that consists primarily of military and law enforcement personnel.
The verdict comes two months after Stewart Rhodes was convicted. convicted Kelly Meggs was a co-defendant. They were tried together by three other people, but they were all acquitted. Four other defendants including three Oath Keepers pleaded guilty in the seditious conspiracy.
Hackett, Minuta, Moerschel, and Vallejo, were also convicted of two other conspiracy charges as well as obstructing an official proceeding: Congress’ certification of the 2020 election. Hackett and Minuta were acquitted on lesser charges.
The judge didn’t immediately set a date for sentencing. The judge denied prosecutors’ bid to lock up the men while they await sentencing, finding them not to be a flight risk. They were placed in home detention and monitored electronically.
Prosecutors claimed that the Oath Keepers conspired against the certification of the electoral ballots by planning to disrupt and impede the congressional session. They used messages and social media to encourage people travel to Washington. Finally, they entered the Capitol after entering it. “storming past exterior barricades, Capitol Police, and other law enforcement officers.”
“Our democracy was under attack, but for the defendants it was everything they trained for and a moment to celebrate,” Louis Manzo, prosecutor, told jurors during his closing argument.
Defense lawyers claimed that the messages between their clients were nothing more than bluster. They also stated that Oath Keepers had traveled to Washington to protect events. They noted the lack of evidence that the Oath Keepers had an explicit plan to storm the Capitol before Jan. 6 and told jurors that those who breached the Capitol acted spontaneously.
Prosecutors “left evidence out and they picked and chose what they wanted,” William Lee Shipley, an attorney representing Minuta.
Prosecutors stated that, while there is no evidence to support a plan to attack Capitol Hill, OathKeepers saw the riot and decided to take action when they could to protect Trump’s power.
Communications from Hackett and others planned the obstruction and Hackett and Moerschel were part of the so-called stack formation that the Oath Keepers used to make their way to the Capitol and enter the building after a group breached a set of doors there, according to court documents.
Minuta, according to reports, was later forced into the building with a new identity. “stack” Through the same doors, you will be armed with bear spray as well as tactical gear.
According to prosecutors Vallejo was not allowed to enter the Capitol, but he coordinated with other members.
The U.S. has been aggressive in pursuing those involved in the breach. Nearly 1,000 people were charged with crimes as of January 6. Nearly 50 were charged with seditious conspiracies or other conspiracy, including conspiracy to obstruct a congressional proceeding.
A compromise caused a disruption to a joint session Congress that was being held to certify electoral votes for 2020 presidential elections. This prompted the evacuation of all members and Vice President Mike Pence.
This report was compiled by the Associated Press.
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