Arrest of Jan. 6 Capitol Rioter: Unveiling a Notorious Affiliation

FBI Utilizes Online Purchases to Confirm Identity

The FBI has apprehended yet another Jan. 6 rioter, employing a unique approach that involved analyzing eBay and Amazon transactions. These purchases played a significant role in confirming the identity of a New York man who allegedly assaulted officers with pepper spray during the Capitol siege.

Affiliation with the Proud Boys and Multiple Charges

Aaron Sauer, a 43-year-old individual affiliated with the Proud Boys and referred to as “Roni,” now faces a minimum of nine charges. Among these charges are felony counts of civil disorder and assaulting officers. The Department of Justice asserts that Sauer, wearing a bulletproof vest, used pepper spray to assault law enforcement officers and participated in the destruction of a black metal fence on the Capitol’s west side on Jan. 6, 2021.

Connections and Travel Companions

According to prosecutors, Sauer traveled to Washington alongside Dominic Pezzola, a Proud Boys member who received a 10-year federal prison sentence after smashing a window at the Capitol. Sauer’s travel group also included Matthew Greene, another Proud Boys member who pleaded guilty in December 2021 and is now cooperating with the government. Additionally, Sauer was seen with William Pepe, a Proud Boy from New York’s Hudson Valley who is facing charges related to the events of Jan. 6.

Key Evidence Uncovered During Investigation

Shortly after the Capitol attack, the FBI interviewed an associate of Sauer’s. This interview led to a search of Sauer’s residence on Jan. 18, 2021. The search yielded crucial items, including a backpack containing tactical gear, Sabre Red pepper spray, Frontiersman bear spray, Central New York Proud Boys business cards labeled with the name “Proud Roni,” and a black and yellow Fred Perry polo shirt. These findings were detailed in an FBI affidavit.

Confirmation Through Online Purchases

To verify Sauer’s involvement in the pepper-spraying incident and property destruction on Jan. 6, the FBI obtained records from eBay and Amazon. By cross-referencing the items purchased by Sauer with those he was reportedly wearing during the events, such as a hydration pack bought on Dec. 21, 2020, as well as a hat and an American flag gaiter purchased on Dec. 20, 2020, the FBI was able to establish his identity.

Online Searches and Associations

The FBI discovered that Sauer had used a Samsung tablet to search for terms such as “congress 1/6” and “where does congress meet” in the days leading up to the Capitol attack. These findings further link him to the events of Jan. 6.

Legal Ramifications and Ongoing Investigations

To date, over 1,250 individuals have been charged in connection with the Jan. 6 attack, resulting in more than 900 convictions. Additionally, over 490 individuals have received sentences involving incarceration. It is worth noting that online investigators have identified numerous rioters who remain at large, including an individual who also assaulted officers with pepper spray alongside Sauer. The FBI affidavit showcases the image of this individual,

Read More of this Story at www.nbcnews.com – 2024-02-07 19:44:47

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