U.S. Government Seeking 33 Year Sentences in Cases Against Proud Boys Accused of Involvement in January 6th Riot

Federal prosecutors have reportedly requested that two leaders of the far-right Proud Boys group be sentenced to more than three decades in prison, the longest sentences sought thus far in connection with the assault on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.

Enrique Tarrio and Joseph Biggs were both found guilty in May of seditious conspiracy, a crime that is punishable by a penalty of 33 years in prison.

This rarely used law makes it illegal to plan to use force to overthrow the government, obstruct its laws, or seize its assets.

Zachary Rehl and Ethan Nordean, who were also found guilty on that offense, were likewise recommended to receive terms of 30 years and 27 years, respectively.

Dominic Pezzola, a fifth defendant in the case who was found not guilty of seditious conspiracy but found guilty of interrupting a congressional hearing and destroying government property, was asked to serve 20 years in prison.

In order to support their requests for hefty sentences, the prosecution used a rarely used terrorism enhancement.

According to federal guidelines, the punishment for Biggs should be between 27 and 33 months, according to Biggs’ counsel, while Rehl’s attorney claimed the appropriate sentence should be between 24 and 37 months.

Nordean’s lawyer suggested a 15-to-21 month term in accordance with federal standards and stated in a filing that his client “will express sincere remorse” at the sentencing.

The government has initiated a vast array of criminal charges against more than 1,000 defendants who are accused of the breach, and the proposed terms against Tarrio and Biggs are the longest the government has requested.

In a series of hearings commencing on August 30, U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly will make a decision regarding the punishments.