Four California men associated with the “Three Percenter” militia movement have been sentenced to federal prison for their involvement in the January 6 Capitol riot. Erik Scott Warner, Felipe Antonio Martinez, Derek Kinnison, and Ronald Mele received prison terms ranging from 21 to 33 months after being convicted of felony obstruction of an official proceeding, among other charges.
The sentences, handed down by U.S. District Court Judge Royce Lamberth, are lower than the 6.5 to 8 years sought by prosecutors. Each defendant has also been ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution and complete 36 months of supervised release following their incarceration.
The men were found guilty after a 17-day jury trial, which included evidence of them coordinating to obstruct Congress’ certification of the Electoral College. They were also found guilty of entering and remaining in a restricted building, as well as disorderly conduct in a restricted building or grounds.
According to court documents, the group traveled from California to Washington D.C., and on January 6, carrying tactical gear, including cans of bear spray. They also brought firearms, storing them illegally in their hotel room. Prosecutors presented evidence at trial of the men communicating over a Telegram chat named “The California Patriots – DC Brigade” and joking about the weapons they brought to Washington.
During the sentencing, each man expressed remorse for their actions. Warner, who received a 27-month sentence, stated he “got caught up” in the mob and apologized for putting his family “through hell.” Martinez, sentenced to 21 months, told the court he was “very sorry” and that he would “never see me back here.” Kinnison and Mele, both receiving 33-month sentences, spoke of their love for God, family, and country, and Mele remarked that January 6 “gave this country a black eye” and admitted that the experience had “opened my eyes.”
The Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Mariano underscored the gravity of the offenses, stating that the defendants were part of a “rare class” of January 6 defendants who “worked together and had a plan.” Mariano also emphasized the need consider future implications, saying, “We are 262 days away from Jan. 6, 2025,” and the need to think about “2029, 2033, and so on.”
The group’s actions were part of the larger Capitol attack, which has seen more than 1,387 individuals charged and over 984 convicted. Of the more than 859 defendants who have been sentenced, more than 520 have been sentenced to periods of incarceration of a few days behind bars to 22 years in federal prison.
The “Three Percenters” are part of a larger militia movement and draw their name from a historically inaccurate claim that only three percent of American colonists fought against the British during the Revolutionary War.
Relevant articles:
– Judge locks up ‘Three Percenter’ militia members in Jan. 6 obstruction case,NBC News, 04/21/2024
– Four ‘Three Percenter’ militia members sentenced to prison over Jan. 6 charges, AOL, Sat, 20 Apr 2024 14:13:10 GMT
– Four ‘Three Percenter’ militia members sentenced to prison over Jan. 6 charges, Yahoo News UK, Sat, 20 Apr 2024 14:13:10 GMT
– 4 Inland men sentenced to prison for roles in Jan. 6 Capitol riot, Long Beach Press Telegram, Fri, 19 Apr 2024 23:56:38 GMT