Prosecutors are seeking the longest prison sentence for the so-called QAnon shaman in any congressional riot case.
The Department of Justice recommended that Jacob Chansley, a native of Arizona, be jailed for 51 months—more than four years—for his role in the January 6 uprising. After he was sentenced to prison, the prosecutor also recommended his release under supervision for three years and compensation of US$2,000.
The prosecutor wrote in a 28-page sentencing memo: “The defendant Chanceley’s now-famous crime has made him a public spokesperson for the riots in the Capitol.”
Chansley was photographed shirtless inside and outside the Capitol, wearing a horned headdress, and holding a flagpole with a spear, becoming a symbol of the Capitol attack.
Prosecutors stated that Chanceley was one of the first 30 thugs to enter the U.S. Capitol that day.
Chansley, who agrees with the QAnon conspiracy theory, joined Senate And left a note on the podium of the vice president at the time Mike Pence Hosting a few minutes ago. The authorities said that the note read, “It’s just a matter of time, justice is coming.”
“Which day should it be Congress The prosecutors wrote in their sentencing memorandum that on January 6, 2021, thousands of mobs disrupted our fulfillment of our solemn constitutional obligation to prove the electoral college’s vote count to ensure our nation’s power Peaceful transition. And this literally, the defendant is their standard bearer. “
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Chansley was arrested on January 9 and charged with deliberately entering or staying in any restricted building or venue without legal authorization, as well as violent entry and disorderly conduct in the Capitol. He was later charged with three other counts.
In September, he pleaded guilty to a felony of obstructing congressional procedures. As part of the plea agreement, the other five charges were dropped.
Reuters first reported in July that after a prison psychologist diagnosed that Chansley was suffering from transient schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression and anxiety, Chansley had begun plea negotiations.
Washington post According to the report, Chansley’s lawyer Albert Watkins requested a sentence of 41 to 51 months below the federal guidelines on the grounds of his client’s mental health problems and cooperation with the authorities.
“He wants not to be considered a political prisoner,” Watkins wrote in a memo. “He doesn’t want to blame the previous president for his actions. He doesn’t want to defend his actions with any explanation. He just wants to be held accountable.”
The only congressional riot defendant serving a sentence in prison is Paul Hodgkins. The prosecutor recommended 18 months’ imprisonment for Hodgkins, who admitted to obstructing official procedures by obstructing the Congressional certification of the Electoral College. He was sentenced to eight months in prison.
Last month, a federal judge The biggest fine to date In any case of Capitol riots. U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton ordered Thomas Vinson and Lori Vinson to pay $5,000 each.
“I know a lot of this, but I hope this sentence is hurt,” Walton said.
The couple did not face any imprisonment, but were sentenced to five years probation, $500 in compensation and 120 hours of community service.
