WASHINGTON – Four men from California were sentenced to prison for their roles in the January 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol, a federal crime that disrupted a joint session of Congress.
The defendants, Erik Scott Warner, 48, of Menifee, California; Felipe Antonio Martinez, 50, of Lake Elsinore, California; Derek Kinnison, 42, of Lake Elsinore, California; and Ronald Mele, 54, of Temecula, California, were convicted of conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding and obstruction of an official proceeding, both felony offenses, after a 17-day jury trial.
U.S. District Court Judge Royce C. Lamberth sentenced Warner to 27 months in prison, Martinez to 21 months, Kinnison to 33 months, and Mele to 33 months. Each defendant was also ordered to pay $2,000 restitution and complete 36 months of supervised release.
The men, all members of a Three Percenter militia in Southern California, coordinated their travel to Washington, D.C. and coordinated their actions through a Telegram chat entitled “The California Patriots – DC Brigade.” On January 6, they attended the “Stop the Steal” rally and then headed towards the Capitol, where they joined rioters and obstructed Congress’ certification of the Electoral College.
According to evidence presented at trial, the men used bear spray, knives, and other tactical gear to storm the Capitol. Warner broke into the building through a smashed window, and Martinez, Kinnison, and Mele followed him to the Upper West Terrace. Mele even took a selfie video proclaiming, “Storm the Capitol!”
The FBI arrested the men on June 10, 2021, and they were later convicted of felony and misdemeanor offenses related to their actions. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
The sentencing marks the latest chapter in the ongoing investigation into the January 6 Capitol breach, a federal crime that resulted in the deaths of several people and the injury of many more. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the rule of law and protecting the democratic process.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia has been working tirelessly to hold accountable those responsible for the breach, and the sentencing of these four men is a significant step forward in that effort.
Related Federal Cases
- California Woman Faces Felony Charges for Jan. 6 Capitol Breach · Washington
- CA Man Charged with Felony for Jan. 6 Capitol Breach Actions · Washington
- Capitol Breach: California Man Indicted in Jan. 6 Conspiracy · Washington
- California Four Sentenced for Jan 6 Capitol Breach Conspiracy · Washington
- California Woman Charged for Jan. 6 Capitol Breach Mayhem · Washington
Key Facts
- State: Washington DC
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Public Corruption|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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