Prosecutors Appeal Prison Sentences for Convicted Proud Boys Leaders in Jan. 6 Plot

Justice Department Challenges Sentencing of Proud Boys Leaders Convicted in Capitol Attack

In a move that has sparked controversy and raised questions about the severity of punishments, the Justice Department is appealing the prison sentences handed to four prominent leaders of the far-right group, the Proud Boys. The individuals were convicted of seditious conspiracy in connection with the notorious U.S. Capitol attack that took place on January 6, 2021. The appeal comes after the imposed sentences were notably shorter than what prosecutors had initially recommended, as revealed in court filings on Monday.

U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly oversaw the case and delivered prison terms ranging from 15 to 22 years to former Proud Boys national leader Enrique Tarrio and three of his lieutenants. The jury had found them guilty in May of conspiring to disrupt the peaceful transfer of presidential power from then-President Donald Trump to Joe Biden following the 2020 presidential election. Tarrio received the longest sentence so far among the hundreds of criminal cases related to the Capitol riot, but prosecutors had sought a stiffer penalty, advocating for a 33-year term for the Miami resident.

Similarly, prosecutors called for sentences of 33 years for former Proud Boys organizer Joseph Biggs from Ormond Beach, Florida, 30 years for Proud Boys chapter leader Zachary Rehl from Philadelphia, and 27 years for chapter leader Ethan Nordean from Auburn, Washington. However, Judge Kelly imposed 18 years on Nordean, 17 years on Biggs, and 15 years on Rehl.

The decision of the Justice Department to appeal these sentences has elicited strong reactions. Defense attorney Norm Pattis, who represents Biggs and Rehl, denounced the appeals as “ridiculous” in a text message, suggesting that Attorney General Merrick Garland should find a new focus. Nicholas Smith, Nordean’s attorney, sarcastically expressed his client’s encouragement at the government’s acknowledgment of errors in the judgment and sentence.

In addition to the four Proud Boys leaders, the Justice Department is also appealing the 10-year sentence given to Dominic Pezzola, a Proud Boys member from Rochester, New York. Pezzola was acquitted of seditious conspiracy but convicted of other serious charges. The prosecutors had requested a 20-year prison term, but the judge imposed a lesser sentence.

The appeal of these sentences follows a similar move by the Justice Department in the case of Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes, who received an 18-year prison sentence for his involvement in the Capitol attack. The department is also challenging the sentences of other members of Rhodes’ anti-government militia group.

Meanwhile, on the same day, a member of the Proud Boys pleaded guilty to obstructing the joint session of Congress on January 6 and threatening to assault a federal officer during the riot. William Chrestman, from Olathe, Kansas, acknowledged his guilt and is set to be sentenced on January 12. The estimated sentencing guidelines suggest a prison term ranging from four years and three months to five years and three months for his two felony convictions.

During the attack, Chrestman, a U.S. Army veteran, joined other Proud Boys in storming the Capitol grounds, brandishing an axe handle, gas mask, helmet, and tactical gear. He threatened law enforcement officers and incited the crowd, shouting, “Whose house is this?” to which the crowd responded, “Our house!” Chrestman further goaded the rioters, urging them to take back the building.

The sentencing appeals and guilty pleas are part of the ongoing legal efforts to hold individuals accountable for their roles in one of the darkest chapters in American history. Over 1,100 people have been charged with federal crimes related to the Capitol riot, with approximately 60 identified as Proud Boys leaders, members, or associates.

It is important to note that this article is based on information from court filings and statements from legal representatives and does not reflect the outcome of the appeals or potential future developments in these cases.

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