Oath Keepers Leader Joshua James Receives Probation for Seditious Conspiracy in January 6 Capitol Riot
Preview
Joshua James, a former Oath Keepers chapter leader and Army veteran from Alabama, has been sentenced to probation for his role in a seditious conspiracy to prevent the peaceful transfer of power following the 2020 presidential election. James was the first person charged in connection with the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot to plead guilty to seditious conspiracy, the most serious crime arising from the attack by a mob of Trump supporters.
Preview
Preview
James' sentencing marks a significant milestone as he was the first criminal defendant in over 60 years to enter a pretrial agreement with prosecutors to plead guilty to seditious conspiracy. His cooperation with the Justice Department's investigation provided pivotal information about the Oath Keepers and their activities leading up to and during the Capitol riot. Despite his significant leadership role in the conspiracy, James avoided a prison sentence. Instead, he was sentenced to three years of probation, which includes six months in a residential re-entry center and six months of home detention.Judge Amit Mehta praised James for his military service and the courage to admit his guilt and cooperate with the government. He emphasized that James' actions put police officers in danger, and James expressed remorse for his role in the events. The judge noted that sparing James from prison was intended to allow him to continue trying to "put his life together" and serve as an example for others.The prosecution had recommended a two-year prison sentence for James, acknowledging his cooperation and the insights he provided into the mindset and actions of Stewart Rhodes, the founder and top leader of the Oath Keepers, who was sentenced to 18 years in prison for seditious conspiracy. The judge's decision reflects a careful consideration of the broader implications of the case, including the need to ensure that the events of January 6 are "cemented in our long-term national memory".