Proud Boy ties record for the longest Jan. 6 sentence in seditious conspiracy case

WASHINGTON — A Proud Boy recognized throughout the far-right group for his consuming and brawling abilities has been sentenced to 18 years in federal jail for his function within the Capitol riot, tying with the top of the Oath Keepers for the longest sentence dished out to a Jan. 6 defendant to date.

Ethan Nordean was sentenced Friday by U.S. District Choose Timothy Kelly. Prosecutors had sought 27 years in jail for Nordean, who was convicted in Could of seditious conspiracy and 5 different felony costs.

Prosecutors stated the Proud Boy “led a power to the Capitol for the aim of taking the struggle to the those that he considered because the ‘traitors’ who have been stealing the election — the lawfully elected representatives of the folks of the US.” Nordean, prosecutors stated, “held himself out as a person able to dole out violence to anybody who opposes him” and “as a result of recognized above all else” for violence.

“As a frontrunner on January 6, Nordean performed a central function in unleashing the violence and destruction on the U.S. Capitol,” prosecutors stated in a sentencing memo. “Nordean’s skill and willingness to guide others to interact in political violence, and his continued dedication to the identical beliefs that animated that management and led to that violence on January 6, pose a unbroken menace to our nation.”

Earlier Friday, Kelly sentenced one among Nordean’s co-defendants, Dominic Pezzola, who was acquitted of seditious conspiracy, to 10 years in federal jail. Joe Biggs was sentenced to 17 years in federal jail on Thursday, whereas Zach Rehl acquired 15 years in federal jail. Each have been convicted of seditious conspiracy and different costs. On Tuesday, Kelly will sentence the ultimate co-defendant, former Proud Boys chairman Enrique Tarrio, who was additionally convicted of seditious conspiracy. Prosecutors are looking for 33 years in federal jail for Tarrio, the identical sentence they searched for Biggs.

Talking to the court docket earlier than being sentenced on Friday afternoon, Nordean apologized for not being a extra accountable chief of the boys he commanded on Jan. 6 and stated “there isn’t a excuse” for what he did.

“Irrespective of how all of us attempt to individually slice January 6 we should conclude it was a whole and utter tragedy,” Nordean stated. “It’s my humble opinion that there isn’t a rally or political protest that ought to ever maintain worth over human life.” 

Nordean’s sister and spouse additionally addressed the court docket, portray an image of him as a loving household man. Nordean remained composed all through however may very well be seen wiping away a tear after his spouse completed talking.

Pezzola, after receiving his 10-year sentence earlier on Friday, yelled out “Trump received!” as he was led out of court docket.

About 1,100 folks have been arrested in reference to the Jan. 6 assault on the U.S. Capitol, and greater than 300 have acquired durations of incarceration.

Nordean and Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes now collectively maintain the file for the longest Jan. 6 sentence. As of Friday, federal Bureau of Prisons data point out that Rhodes is about for launch on June 12, 2037, factoring within the time he already served and credit score for good time.