PA man gets 14 years for assaulting police, longest Jan. 6 sentence yet.

Pennsylvania Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Jail for Assaulting Police Officers at U.S. Capitol

The Incident

On January 6, 2021, a group of individuals stormed the U.S. Capitol building, resulting in chaos and violence. Among them was Peter J. Schwartz, a Pennsylvania man who was recently sentenced to 14 years in jail for his involvement in the incident.

The Evidence

According to evidence presented at a trial in federal court, Schwartz was at the forefront of the group facing police at the lower west terrace of the Capitol. He was convicted based on evidence that showed him boasting about starting a riot by throwing the first chair.

The Sentence

U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta sentenced Schwartz to 14 years and two months in prison after prosecutors recommended a sentence of 24.5 years. Schwartz’s 14-year sentence is followed by three years of supervised release.

The Charges

Schwartz was found guilty of four counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, as well as six additional charges, including obstructing an official proceeding, entering a restricted building with a dangerous weapon, and engaging in physical violence in a restricted building.

The Co-Defendants

Schwartz was convicted alongside two co-defendants, Jeffrey Scott Brown and Markus Maly. Brown received a 4.5-year prison sentence in April, while Maly is awaiting sentencing.

The Aftermath

Schwartz’s wife, Shelly Stallings, was also sentenced to two years in prison last month. Schwartz’s prison term exceeds that of the previous longest sentence yet handed down in a case related to the Jan. 6 incident.

The Lesson

The events of Jan. 6, 2021, serve as a reminder of the importance of peaceful protest and the consequences of violent actions. It is crucial to remember that our actions have consequences, and we must be accountable for them. Let us strive for peaceful and constructive ways to express our opinions and bring about change.