Staff Report –

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federal Bureau of Investigation continues to track down, arrest and seek convictions against radicalized supporters of former President Donald Trump who heeded his call for insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021, and came to the nation’s capital to try to halt the peaceful transfer of power and overturn the 2020 presidential election.

A rioter who pinned a D.C. officer to a doorway in a mob attack on police trying to defend a tunnel entrance during the Jan. 6, 2021, riot on the U.S. Capitol was sentenced to 7½ years in prison on Friday, after a judge called him “a poster child of all that was dangerous and appalling about that day’s” violence, according to a story first reported by The Washington Post.

Patrick McCaughey, of Ridgefield, Conn., committed the “most egregious” attacks on police out of three men found guilty at a bench trial in September of assaulting and impeding police at the Capitol’s Lower West Terrace on the day Congress met to confirm Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 presidential election, U.S. District Judge Trevor N. McFadden said.

After pushing through bike racks and taunting and chasing officers up steps, McCaughey used a stolen riot shield to pin D.C. police officer Daniel Hodges to a metal door frame in a tunnel that was a chokepoint for rioters trying to enter the building. McCaughey used his weight and the weight of the mob behind him to crush Hodges, while another man beat him with a baton.

Video

McFadden credited McCaughey for a “moment of humanity,” warning officers that Hodges needed help and was adjusting his gas mask. But the judge said McCaughey later reentered the tunnel and attacked another officer with a shield, then repeatedly minimized his conduct at trial.

“You are remorseful and I don’t need to be concerned about you doing something like this again,” the judge said. But he cited the “strong need” to deter others and promote respect for the law, while adding that he was reducing McCaughey’s punishment because of his youth — he is 25 — and statements of support from friends, colleagues and clients that showed his offense was a “strange aberration.”

In a victim impact statement, Hodges called McCaughey the “vanguard” of an attack that has had long-lasting effects, saying it would inspire the nation’s enemies at home and abroad for years. Hodges also said it has caused 50 officers to retire or leave the D.C. police force. (U.S. Capitol Police have reported greater attrition.)

That’s “50 officers that can no longer protect the city, and 50 officers that won’t be there the next time a would-be dictator decides to try his luck against the United States,” Hodges said, referring to Donald Trump, who has said he would pardon all Jan. 6 criminal defendants. Hodges also faulted defendants’ “shameless” claims that they got “caught up in the moment,” saying “of all the weapons that day, the most effective one was the mob: Every single person present made it incalculably more difficult to repel the violent, tend to the wounded, and protect democracy.”

Federal prosecutors sought a 188-month prison term — the second-longest sought so far in a Jan. 6 case — with Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Paschall citing statements by another officer who said had rioters broken through, there would have been more hurt and killed.

Defense attorney Dennis E. Boyle, who initially argued for a one-year prison term, argued that a lengthy sentence “wreaks of vengeance. It does not wreak of justice.” He blamed McCaughey’s father for putting “poison” into his son’s head. He also blamed major networks, commentators, Republican lawmakers and “even the President of the United States, who said over and over again the election was stolen by the worst voter fraud in history.”

“Too many foolish people believed the lies they were told and acted impetuously,” Boyle said.

McCaughey, dressed in an orange prison jumpsuit, accepted responsibility and apologized to his mother, sisters, country and police, saying he shamed his family and harmed his nation by not demonstrating peacefully, but instead acting “like a thug” and “animal,” and “giving into mob violence.”

“I’m sorry for my role in the riot, and making a nation already [divided] that much more charged and less civil,” McCaughey said. He said he realized that telling or taunting officers to “go home” was an insult to their integrity and their sworn duty to protect the Capitol and its occupants.

“I am sorry I acted less like a citizen and more like an animal that day,” McCaughey said, adding he hoped one day to become a welder and start a family.

Asked his reaction, Hodges said after the sentencing hearing, “It depends on what McCaughey does after 91 months. We’ll see if he’s a changed man.”

Texas Man Sentenced for Assault on Law Enforcement During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

A Texas man was sentenced in the District of Columbia this week on felony and misdemeanor charges for his actions during the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol breach.

Robert Wayne Dennis, 63, of Garland, TX, was sentenced to 36 months in prison for civil disorder, two counts of assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers, and the misdemeanor charges of of engaging in physical violence in a restricted building or grounds; entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds; and act of physical violence in the Capitol grounds or buildings. Dennis was found guilty on January 13, 2023, following a bench trial before U.S. District Court Judge James E. Boasberg.

In addition to the prison term, Dennis was ordered to pay $2,000 restitution and serve 24 months of supervised release, according to a press release from the U.S. Department of Justice.

According to evidence presented at trial, Dennis was captured on video on January 6 on the Upper West Terrace of the Capitol during the ongoing riot. Metropolitan Police Department officers had formed a police line on top of a set of stairs to act as a barrier against the crowd and prevent further breaches of the Capitol Building. At approximately 2:51 p.m., Dennis deliberately ascended the stairs and assaulted this line of officers. One officer, identified in court documents as “Officer C.W.,” attempted to use a baton to push him away. Dennis then attacked the officers again, engaging in a violent struggle with “Officer J.S.” in which Dennis threw punches at Officer J.S. while Officer J.S. was on the ground. Dennis was convicted of assaulting both Officer C.W. and Officer J.S.

Dennis was arrested on October 20, 2021, in Texas.

This case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas U.S.

The case was investigated by the FBI’s Dallas Field Office, as well as the FBI’s Washington Field Office. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police.

Florida Man Sentenced on Felony Charge for Actions During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

A Florida man was sentenced this week for a felony charge for his actions during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Howard Adams, 62, of Edgewater, Florida, was sentenced to eight months in prison for interfering with law enforcement officers during a civil disorder. Adams pleaded guilty, on January 26, 2023, in the District of Columbia. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Beryl A. Howell ordered 36 months of supervised release, restitution of $2,000, and a $2,000 fine, according to a press release from the U.S. Department of Justice.

According to court documents, at approximately 1:53 p.m on Jan. 6, 2021, Adams unlawfully approached the U.S. Capitol across the east plaza after rioters in the defendant’s presence pushed through a line of USCP officers. At 2:26, p.m., after the defendant had proceeded across the east plaza to the East Rotunda doorway, a group of people unlawfully pushed away police officers and entered the building. The defendant followed and then proceeded to the Rotunda, into and through Statuary Hall.

At approximately 2:36 p.m., moments after others in the group pushed aside police officers, the defendant proceeded to the House chamber doorway. The defendant and others unlawfully in the Capitol building then amassed outside the doorway for several minutes, during which time the group chanted, “Break it down!” and “Stop the steal!”

The group was unable to open the door. Several minutes later, the defendant returned to the Rotunda where he encountered multiple law enforcement members who were there to clear the room of unlawful persons. The defendant intentionally walked toward the line of officers, instead of proceeding toward the exit opposite from the line of officers. As he did so, he unfurled and raised a flag while raising both hands.

At approximately 3:08 p.m., the defendant made physical contact with one of the officers as the officer attempted to push the defendant in the opposite direction, toward the exit, and deployed a chemical irritant against the defendant. As this was occurring, several other persons were behind the defendant and were surging forward toward the police line. The defendant eventually exited the building through the East Rotunda doorway at approximately 3:15 p.m.

Adams was arrested on March 10, 2021, in Edgewater, Florida.

This case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.

The case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office. Valuable assistance was provided by the FBI’s Jacksonville Field Office – Daytona Beach Resident Agency, the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Capitol Police.

Michigan Man Sentenced for Assaulting Officers During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

A Michigan man was sentenced for assaulting law enforcement officers with a dangerous weapon during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Logan James Barnhart, 41, of Holt, Michigan, was sentenced yesterday to 36 months in prison, 36 months of supervised release, a fine of $3,688, and restitution of $2,000. Barnhart pleaded guilty on September 28, 2022, in the District of Columbia, according to a press release from the U.S. Department of Justice.

According to court documents, on Jan. 6, 2021, Barnhart was part of a mob that confronted law enforcement officers at the Archway leading into the Capitol Building from the Lower West Terrace. During the violence, at approximately 4:27 p.m., another rioter – co-defendant Jack Wade Whitton – began striking at an officer with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) with a crutch.

As this was happening, Barnhart climbed over a banister and went up a set of steps leading to the Archway, towards the officer. Whitton grabbed the officer, first by his baton, then by the helmet and the neck of his ballistic vest. As he did this, Barnhart also grabbed the neck of the officer’s ballistic vest. He and Whitton, along with another rioter, then dragged the officer down the steps in a prone position and into the crowd, where other rioters beat the officer with weapons, including a flagpole and a baton. As a result of this attack, the officer sustained physical injuries, including bruising and abrasions.

Several minutes later, Barnhart returned to the Archway, where other rioters were slamming riot shields into the line of police officers. Barnhart pushed other rioters from behind, supporting them and propelling them forward into the line of officers. He then approached the line of officers and struck at them with the base of a flagpole.

Barnhart was arrested in Lansing, Michigan on Aug. 17, 2021.

The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan.

The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, which identified Barnhart as #128 in its seeking information photos, as well as the FBI’s Detroit Field Office and its Lansing Resident Agency. Significant assistance has been provided in the investigation by the Metropolitan Police Department, the U.S. Capitol Police, and other FBI field offices.

Massachusetts Man Sentenced for Assaulting Law Enforcement During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

A Massachusetts man was sentenced this week on felony and misdemeanor charges for assaulting law enforcement during the January 6, 2021, Capitol breach.

Vincent J. Gillespie, 61, of Athol, Massachusetts, was sentenced to 68 months in prison for assaulting, resisting, or impeding officers; civil disorder; engaging in physical violence in a restricted building or grounds; and disorderly conduct in a Capitol building. Gillespie was found guilty on December 23, 2022, following a jury trial in the District of Columbia. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Beryl A. Howell ordered Gillespie to pay a fine of $25,000, restitution of $2,000, and to serve 36 months of supervised release, according to a press release from the U.S. Department of Justice.

Gillespie was arrested on February 18, 2022, in Athol, Massachusetts.

The evidence at trial showed that on January 6, 2021, from approximately 4:11 p.m. to 4:26 p.m., Gillespie was among rioters in the Lower West Terrace of the Capitol who engaged in pushing, shoving, yelling, and fighting with law enforcement officers. He struggled his way through the crowd, eventually maneuvering through the rioters to the line of police officers defending the Lower West Terrace’s exterior door.

At one point, he gained control of a police shield and used it to ram the police. He then used two hands to grab a Metropolitan Police Department sergeant by the arm, yanking him toward the mob. He then screamed “traitor” and “treason” at the police.

This case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.

The case was investigated by the FBI Boston Division’s Springfield, Massachusetts Resident Agency Joint Terrorism Task Force, the FBI Boston Division’s Worcester Resident Agency, and the FBI’s Washington Field Office. Valuable assistance was provided by the Athol, Massachusetts Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police. Gillespie was identified as #141 on the FBI Washington Field Office’s seeking information photos.

Pennsylvania Man Sentenced for Assaulting Officers With a Dangerous Weapon During Jan. 6 Capitol Attack

A Pennsylvania man was sentenced today for assaulting law enforcement officers with a dangerous weapon during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Robert Sanford Jr., 57, a retired firefighter from Chester, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 52 months in prison, 36 months of supervised release, $2,000 restitution to the Architect of the Capitol and $3,798 in restitution to the medical expenses of the U.S. Capitol Police officer he injured. Sanford pleaded guilty on September 26, 2022, in the District of Columbia, to assaulting, resisting, or impeding officers using a dangerous weapon, according to a press release from the U.S. Department of Justice.

According to court documents, on Jan. 6, 2021, Sanford attended a rally at the Ellipse and then walked to the U.S. Capitol grounds, joining others who were gathered there illegally. At about 2:30 p.m., he was part of a group on the Lower West Terrace. While there, he threw a fire extinguisher at a group of U.S. Capitol Police officers, striking three of them in the head. He also threw a traffic cone in the direction of officers. He screamed in the direction of officers that they were “traitors.”

Sanford was arrested on Jan. 14, 2021.

This case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

The case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office. Valuable assistance was provided by the FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office, the Metropolitan Police Department, and the U.S. Capitol Police.

Nevada Man Sentenced for Assaulting Officers During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

A Nevada man was sentenced today for assaulting law enforcement officers with a dangerous weapon during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Josiah Kenyon, 35, of Winnemucca, Nevada, was sentenced to 72 months in prison, 36 months of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $43,315.25 in restitution. Kenyon pleaded guilty to two felonies – assaulting a law enforcement officer with a dangerous weapon and assaulting a law enforcement officer with a dangerous weapon resulting in bodily injury – on September 14, 2022, before U.S. District Court Judge Carl J. Nichols, in the District of Columbia, according to a press release from the U.S. Department of Justice.

According to court documents, Kenyon was illegally in the Capitol Building from approximately 2:53 p.m. until 3:18 p.m., near a Senate Wing door and the Crypt. Kenyon was wearing a “Jack Skellington” costume, based on a character from the movie, “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” While outside the Capitol Building, he and others damaged an exterior window, causing more than $40,000 in damage. Kenyon first attempted to break the window with a closed fist, and then used a flagpole to hit the window.

Between approximately 4:54 p.m. and 5:04 p.m., Kenyon was outside in the Lower West Terrace area. While there, he used a variety of objects to assault officers in the tunnel leading into the Capitol. He threw a large plastic pylon towards officers, striking one officer’s riot shield. He also struck officers with what appeared to be a table leg. He hit one officer in the leg, causing the officer to fall to the ground; the officer suffered pain and swelling to his right ankle. He then hit another officer in the head, with the table leg momentarily lodged between that officer’s helmet and face shield.

Kenyon was arrested on Dec. 1, 2021, in Reno, Nevada.

This case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada.

The case was investigated by the FBI Las Vegas Field Office – Reno Resident Agency, and the FBI’s Washington Field Office, which identified Kenyon as #94 in its seeking information photos. Valuable assistance was provided by the FBI Los Angeles Field Office – West Covina Resident Agency, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Reno, Nevada, the Metropolitan Police Department, the Metro Transit Police Department, and the U.S. Capitol Police.

In the 27 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,000 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 320 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

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