(5MinNewsBreak.com) – Just before the event’s fourth anniversary, a military veteran has been sentenced for his role in the January 6 Capitol protest.
Edward Richmond Jr. is a former U.S. Army soldier who previously served in Iraq. He now faces over four years behind bars for allegedly assaulting police officers during the Capitol protest on January 6, 2021.
Chief Judge James Boasberg deemed Richmond a danger to the community, overruling a previous decision to release him.
The charges against Richmond include civil disorder and assaulting police with a dangerous weapon.
Prosecutors claim he was dressed in tactical gear and used a metal baton during the protest.
Richmond’s legal troubles extend beyond January 6. He was previously convicted of manslaughter for killing an Iraqi civilian in 2004.
One of the case’s prosecutors said, “The government is concerned that, under growing pressure, he may snap again.”
In turn, Richmond’s defense attorney argued for leniency, stating, “There is not one shred of evidence that in the last three years he has engaged in any type of violence or crimes. He has simply worked and raised his son.”
Adding to Richmond’s problems, he was found with an AR-15 rifle, which he is prohibited from possessing.
The judge’s decision to jail Richmond has been the subject of debate since he is his 16-year-old son’s sole caregiver.
In response, the judge allowed Richmond time to arrange care, saying, “I know it’s important to you. It’s important to me also.”
Richmond’s case is just one of over 1,200 people charged with federal crimes related to the Capitol protest.
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