News/Commentary

DOJ recommend only 6 months of prison for Ray Epps

January 3, 2024 | | Print Article

Nearly three years after the riot that broke out at the U.S. Capitol, the mysterious Ray Epps is finally facing consequences for his part in the events that played out in the wake of the 2020 election.

But, unlike other defendants in the January 6 prosecutions who landed extended jail time, Epps will only face six months in federal prison. While critics of former President Trump have labeled claims about Epps being a federal informant “conspiracy theories,” many contend there is more to his story than is being portrayed.

“Epps, who worked as a roofer after serving four years as infantry in the U.S. Marine Corps, has vehemently denied ever working for the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Gordon said during Epps’ plea hearing in September that he was not a confidential source for the FBI ‘or any other law enforcement agency,'” the Associated Press reported Tuesday.

In September, he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct on restricted grounds and prosecutors requested a six-month jail sentence on Tuesday, recommending the “high end of the applicable guidelines range.” The half-year stint behind bars is in addition to one year of supervised release, and $500 in restitution.

“Such a sentence protects the community, promotes respect for the law, and deters future crime by imposing restrictions on Epps’ liberty as a consequence of his behavior, while recognizing his acceptance of responsibility for his crime, his efforts to deescalate conflicts between rioters and police officers, and his cooperation with the FBI and Congress,” prosecutors said in the 29-page filing.

“Even if Epps did not physically touch law enforcement officers or go inside of the building, he undoubtedly engaged in collective aggressive conduct,” they added.

Prosecutors described Epps as a “unique case in the context of January 6 defendants” and noted his multiple attempts to “deescalate conflict and avoid violence between rioters and police officers,” adding that he willingly spoke with the FBI and Congress, and also expressed “what appears to be sincere remorse” for his actions.

“More than 1,237 defendants have been charged in nearly all 50 states and the District of Columbia” in the nearly three years since the “attack” on the U.S. Capitol, according to the Department of Justice.

Hundreds of individuals have pleaded guilty, been tried and sentenced including four Oath Keepers who ” have pleaded guilty to the federal charge of seditious conspiracy.” Stewart Rhodes, the group’s founder, was sentenced to 18 years behind bars.

Reactions on social media to the recommended sentencing of Epps drew a common theme in responses.

Frieda Powers
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