WASHINGTON (Reuters) – David Moerschel, a member of the far-right Oath Keepers group, was sentenced to three years in prison on Friday for conspiracy to sedition and other crimes related to the Capitol storming. which occurred on January 6, 2021 in the United States.
While Judge Amit Mehta found David Moerschel’s guilt less than other members of the group, he nevertheless highlighted the danger associated with weapons, including an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle, which he left in a hotel in Virginia before heading to Washington.
Prosecutors had initially requested a 10-year prison sentence. One of his co-defendants, Joseph Hackett, will be sentenced later on Friday. Prosecutors have requested a 12-year prison sentence against him.
The attack on Capitol Hill was aimed at preventing Congress from certifying Democrat Joe Biden’s victory in the November 2020 US election.
Joseph Hackett and David Moerschel were convicted of conspiracy to sedition – a charge involving attempts “to overthrow, overthrow, or forcibly destroy the government of the United States” – as well as obstruction of justice and conspiracy to prevent members of Congress from carrying out their duties.
Joseph Hackett was also found guilty of falsifying documents or proceedings.
Prosecutors described Joseph Hackett as a low-level respectable within the Oath Keepers, pointing out that his call to arrest “corrupt politicians” portends his intentions on Capitol Hill, including “forcing his way” into the office of the leader of the House of Representatives.
Joseph Hackett’s attorney asked Judge Amit Mehta to “focus primarily on alternatives to incarceration” in delivering his verdict.
Amit Mehta has already sentenced six other members of the Oath Keepers to terms ranging from three to eighteen years in prison since last week.
The judge postponed the sentencing of Thomas Caldwell, another member of the Oath Keepers who was acquitted of the sedition conspiracy charge but convicted of other crimes.
(Reporting by Jacqueline Thomsen in Washington; French version by Gaëlle Sheehan, edited by Kate Entringer)
2023-06-02 17:01:09
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