Prosecutors seek six-month sentence for Ray Epps in Jan. 6 case
Ray Epps, a Trump supporter who was accused by conspiracy theorists of being a federal operative, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor and is set to be sentenced next week.
Federal prosecutors are seeking a six-month prison sentence for a Donald Trump supporter and Jan. 6 defendant who became the focus of conspiracy theories promoted on the far right and by members of Congress.
Ray Epps, who is scheduled to be sentenced next week, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge in September. Sentencing guidelines for his crime range from zero to six months.
In a sentencing memo filed Tuesday, prosecutors wrote that a six-month sentence is justified because of Epps' alleged efforts to "inspire and gather a crowd" to storm the Capitol and overwhelm police at a key breach point.
Video from Jan. 6, 2021, shows Epps holding a large, metal-framed Trump sign that rioters jammed into the police line. A federal judge acquitted another Jan. 6 participant who had his hand on the sign, saying his intention was unclear.
In the sentencing memo, prosecutors described Epps as a "unique case in the context of January 6 defendants" after he turned himself in to the FBI shortly two days after the riot and cooperated with a series of voluntary interviews. He also tried to de-escalate tensions between the law enforcement and rioters during the attack on the Capitol.
Rating: 5