US Capitol Riot: Proud Boys Leader Slapped With Nearly Two Decades of Jail Time

Several Proud Boys leaders finally faced sentencing, with one of the top members getting almost two decades over the January 6 attack on the Capitol. Other leaders also received harsh sentences of over 15 years in prison.

Ethan Nordean, a leader of the Proud Boys, was convicted of seditious conspiracy. A federal judge handed him an 18-year prison sentence, which is the same as what Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes received.

"If we don't have a peaceful transfer of power in this country, we don't have anything," the judge reminded the Proud Boys leader.

Nordean was on trial with fellow Proud Boys member, Dominic Pezzola. While he did not have a leadership role, Pezzola was convicted of felonies, including obstructing an official proceeding and assaulting police, according to Reuters. He became infamous for stealing the riot shield of former Capitol Police Officer Mark Ode on January 6 and pummeled the officer with it. He then used that shield to smash a Capitol window.

Pezolla was sentenced to 10 years in prison because of his actions. However, as he was led out of the courtroom, he yelled "Trump Won!" Many Trump supporters still believe that Donald Trump won the election despite various recounts, court cases, and evidence showing otherwise.

Despite sounding defiant, Pezzola sounded regretful during his speech.

"I stand before you with a heart full of regret," said the Proud Boys member. "I never should've crossed the barrier at the Capitol that day."

The Sentences Handed Down to Other Proud Boys Members Over the January 6 Attack on the Capitol

Proud Boys national chairman and top leader Enrique Tarrio was also found guilty of seditious conspiracy. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Tuesday. While he was the first one found guilty, his sentencing was moved from Wednesday to next week because the judge was sick, according to the Associated Press.

Proud Boys organizer Joseph Biggs was sentenced to 17 years in prison, the second longest sentence handed down for January 6 after Nordean and Rhodes. Meanwhile, Proud Boys leader Zachary Rehl has the third longest sentence over January 6 with a 15-year sentence.

Tarrio, a Miami resident, was not in Washington DC during January 6 because he was previously arrested and ordered to leave the city. However, he helped direct the members of his organization remotely and was key in planning the attack.

US District Judge Timothy Kelly slammed the Proud Boys members in his speech, saying that they trampled on an "important American custom."

"That day broke our tradition of peacefully transferring power, which is among the most precious things that we had as Americans," Judge Kelly added.

Partner of Proud Boys Member Who Attacked Police Officer With a Riot Shield Speaks

During the trial of Dominic Pezzola, his longtime partner, Lisa Magee, testified and stated that he was getting drunk and watching Fox News before January 6, according to NBC News.

She then called him an "idiot" and stated that her daughters suffered because of him. She added that they were bullied at home because of their father's actions during January 6.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Proud Boys leader Joe Biggs sentenced to 17 years for Capitol riot - BBC News