By Steve Neavling
Four more members of the far-right group Oath Keepers were sentenced to prison on charges of seditious conspiracy and other criminal counts for their roles in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol.
Robert Minuta, 39, of Prosper, Texas, was sentenced Thursday to 54 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
Also on Thursday, Edward Vallejo, 64, of Phoenix, Ariz., was sentenced to three years in prison, followed by an additional three years of supervised release.
On Friday, David Moerschel, 45, of Punta Gorda, Fla., was sentenced to three years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
Joseph Hackett, 53, of Sarasota, Fla., was sentenced to 42 months in prison, followed by three years of surprised release.
Following a seven-week trial in U.S. District earlier this year, the men were found guilty of charges including seditious conspiracy, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of an official proceeding, and conspiracy to prevent members of Congress from discharging their official duties.
Authorities alleged during trial that in the months leading up to Jan. 6, the defendants and their co-conspirators plotted to oppose by force the lawful transfer of presidential power, including by amassing an armed “quick reaction force” on the outskirts of D.C.
According to court evidence, the defendants and their co-conspirators, through encrypted and private communications platforms, began planning in late December 2020 to disrupt the confirmation of the presidential election.
The defendants made plans to bring weapons to the D.C. area to support their operation, and in early January 2021, co-conspirators traveled to the D.C. area with paramilitary gear and supplies including firearms, tactical vests with plates, helmets and radio equipment.
The defendants conspired, according to authorities, to organize teams willing to commit violence; recruit members and affiliates to participate in the conspiracy; organize trainings to teach and learn paramilitary combat tactics; bring and contribute paramilitary gear, weapons, and supplies – including knives, camouflaged combat uniforms, tactical vests with plates, helmets, eye protection and radio equipment.
More than 1,000 people have been arrested for their role in the insurrection. Of this, more than 320 have been charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement.
