Prison Terms Handed Down to Four Oath Keepers Involved in Capitol Breach

Four members of the Oath Keepers, a far-right extremist group, have been sentenced this week on charges of seditious conspiracy and other offenses related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. The sentencing marks a significant step in holding accountable those involved in the violent attack that disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress and threatened the democratic process of certifying the electoral votes.

The defendants, Roberto Minuta, Edward Vallejo, David Moerschel, and Joseph Hackett, were found guilty of seditious conspiracy, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of an official proceeding, and conspiracy to prevent Members of Congress from performing their duties. Hackett was additionally convicted of destruction of evidence. Following a seven-week trial, the sentencing took place on June 1 and June 2, 2023, with each defendant receiving a prison term and supervised release.

Roberto Minuta, 39, from Prosper, Texas, was sentenced to 54 months in prison, followed by 36 months of supervised release. Edward Vallejo, 64, from Phoenix, Arizona, received a sentence of 36 months in prison, followed by 36 months of supervised release, with the first 12 months to be served on home confinement. David Moerschel, 45, from Punta Gorda, Florida, and Joseph Hackett, 53, from Sarasota, Florida, were both sentenced to 36 months and 42 months in prison, respectively, followed by 36 months of supervised release.

The evidence presented during the trial revealed a months-long conspiracy by the defendants and their co-conspirators to forcefully oppose the transfer of presidential power. They planned to assemble an armed "quick reaction force" near Washington, D.C., and coordinated their actions through encrypted communications. The defendants intended to bring weapons and paramilitary gear to the Capitol on January 6, 2021, when the certification of the electoral college vote was taking place. They traveled to the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area with firearms, tactical equipment, and other supplies necessary for their operation.

The Oath Keepers conspired in various ways, including organizing teams prepared to use force and transport firearms, recruiting members and affiliates, conducting paramilitary combat training, and bringing paramilitary gear to the Capitol grounds. On January 6, they breached the Capitol building, aiming to disrupt the certification process and using force against law enforcement officers. The defendants continued plotting even after the attack, with the goal of opposing the lawful transfer of presidential power.

The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia, along with the Justice Department's National Security and Criminal Divisions. Assistance in the investigation and prosecution has been provided by multiple U.S. Attorneys' Offices across the country. The FBI's Washington Field Office led the investigation, supported by the Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI's New York, Dallas, Tampa, and Phoenix Field Offices. The U.S. Capitol Police and the U.S. Secret Service have also played crucial roles in the investigation.

Since the events of January 6, 2021, law enforcement agencies have made significant progress in holding accountable those responsible for the Capitol breach. Over 1,000 individuals have been arrested in almost all states, with more than 320 individuals facing charges of assaulting or obstructing law enforcement officers. The investigation remains ongoing, as authorities continue their efforts to identify and apprehend individuals involved in the attack on the U.S. Capitol.

The sentencing of the Oath Keepers members serves as a reminder that those who engage in seditious acts and undermine the democratic process will face justice. It represents a step towards restoring faith in the rule of law and upholding the principles of democracy in the United States.