"Assault on democracy": Capitol rioter gets 8 mo for felony

[MU82]

Capitol rioter and convicted felon Paul Hodgkins received a sentence of 8 months, marking the first time one of the 1/6/21 insurrectionists has received jail time.

https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-government-and-politics-capitol-siege-sentencing-785d865e0be2bc912614821768cf95b5

In pronouncing the sentence, Judge Randolph Moss said that Hodgkins had played a role, if not as significant as others, in one of the worst episodes in American history.

"That was not, by any stretch of the imagination, a protest," Moss said. "It was ... an assault on democracy."

He added: "It left a stain that will remain on us ... on the country for years to come."

The sentencing could set the bar for punishments of hundreds of other defendants as they decide whether to accept plea deals or go to trial. Hodgkins and others are accused of serious crimes but were not indicted, as some others were, for roles in larger conspiracies.

Under an agreement with prosecutors, he pleaded guilty last month to one count of obstructing an official proceeding, which carries a maximum 20-year prison sentence. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to drop lesser charges, including entering a restricted building and disorderly conduct.

[JWags85]

[Lennys Tap]

Mike's an addict. He means it when he says he'll quit but he can't help himself.

[ZiggysFryBoy]

Sad existence.

[jficke13]

yes, twitter and message board federal sentencing expert commentary. Bring it on folks.