Florida Man Sentenced for Capitol Breach

Florida Man Receives 60-Month Prison Sentence

A Florida man has been sentenced for his involvement in the breach of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Anthony Sargent, a 47-year-old resident of St. Augustine, Florida, has been sentenced to 60 months in prison. Sargent faced a felony charge of civil disorder, as well as several misdemeanor charges related to the destruction of property and disorderly conduct. The breach occurred during a joint session of the U.S. Congress to certify the electoral votes for the 2020 presidential election.

Actions Leading to the Sentence

Court documents reveal that Sargent played an active role in the Capitol breach. He grabbed and pushed a police officer to prevent the detention of another rioter, shoved two officers away from the Capitol as they attempted to retreat, and threw a heavy object at a set of doors leading into the Capitol. Sargent also encouraged fellow rioters to damage the doors. These violent actions were premeditated, as Sargent had expressed support for a riot and civil war on the Proud Boys’ messaging platform before January 6.

Visual Evidence of Sargent’s Participation

Multiple open-source videos captured Sargent’s attempts to breach the north entrance of the Capitol building. In one video, he can be seen pushing against officers guarding the building, along with the rest of the mob.

Further Confrontations with Law Enforcement

After the officers retreated into the Capitol, Sargent and other rioters pursued them. However, they were stopped by locked doors. Sargent then picked up a heavy object and threw it at the doors, endangering the officers who were standing behind them. Later, Sargent physically separated an officer from a rioter who had assaulted another officer, preventing the officer from apprehending the assailant.

Arrest and Prosecution

Sargent was arrested on September 21, 2021, in St. Augustine. 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. The FBI’s Washington and Jacksonville Field Offices, U.S. Capitol Police, and the Metropolitan Police Department were instrumental in the investigation.

Nationwide Investigation into Capitol Breach

Since January 6, 2021, over 1,230 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol. Among these charges, more than 440 individuals have been charged with felonies for assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the FBI.

Conclusion

The sentencing of Anthony Sargent serves as a reminder that those involved in the breach of the U.S. Capitol will be held accountable for their actions. The pursuit of justice continues as law enforcement agencies work tirelessly to investigate and prosecute all individuals responsible for the events of January 6, 2021.

Contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov to provide any tips related to the Capitol breach.

Read More of this Story at www.justice.gov – 2023-12-15 16:38:08

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