In a recent verdict, a Kentucky man named Chad Barrett Jones has been found guilty of multiple felony and misdemeanor charges related to his actions during the January 6th Capitol breach. Jones was convicted of offenses including civil disorder, obstruction of an official proceeding, destruction of property, and engaging in physical violence in a restricted building. The prosecution presented evidence that Jones had traveled from Kentucky to Washington, D.C., to attend the “Stop the Steal” rally and subsequently entered the Capitol building unlawfully. He was seen climbing the scaffolding and waving a blue flag before making his way to the Speaker’s Lobby, where he attempted to breach a barricaded door. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Counterterrorism Section of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division.
Charges
Felony charges
Chad Barrett Jones, a resident of Mount Washington, Kentucky, has been found guilty of two felony charges related to his actions during the Jan. 6 Capitol breach. These felony charges include obstruction of an official proceeding and destruction of property belonging to the United States.
Misdemeanor charges
In addition to the felony charges, Jones has also been found guilty of seven misdemeanor charges. These charges include civil disorder, entering or remaining in a restricted building, disorderly or disruptive conduct in a restricted building, engaging in physical violence in a restricted building, disorderly conduct in a capitol building, act of physical violence in the capitol building, and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a capitol building.
Background
Actions during Jan. 6 Capitol breach
On Jan. 6, 2021, Chad Barrett Jones, along with a group of individuals, participated in the violent breach of the U.S. Capitol building. Their actions disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress, which had been convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the presidential election.
Disruption of joint session of U.S. Congress
The actions of Jones and others resulted in the disruption of the joint session of the U.S. Congress. This session, held to fulfill a crucial constitutional duty, was intended to certify the results of the presidential election. The breach and subsequent chaos caused by Jones and the other rioters prevented the session from proceeding as planned.
Defendant
Chad Barrett Jones
Chad Barrett Jones, 44, is a resident of Mount Washington, Kentucky. He was identified as one of the individuals involved in the Jan. 6 Capitol breach and was subsequently charged with multiple felony and misdemeanor offenses.
Residence in Mount Washington, Kentucky
Jones resides in the city of Mount Washington, located in the state of Kentucky. This is the place from where he traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in the “Stop the Steal” rally and other protests.
Trial and Verdict
Bench trial before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Leon
The trial for Chad Barrett Jones took place in the District of Columbia before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Leon. The trial was conducted as a bench trial, meaning that there was no jury present, and Judge Leon was responsible for evaluating the evidence and determining the verdict.
Guilty verdict for all nine charges
Following the trial, Chad Barrett Jones was found guilty of all nine charges against him. This includes the two felony charges and the seven misdemeanor charges related to his actions during the Capitol breach.
Sentencing hearing scheduled for Nov. 8, 2023
A sentencing hearing for Chad Barrett Jones has been scheduled for Nov. 8, 2023. During this hearing, the court will hear arguments from the prosecution and the defense and will determine an appropriate sentence for Jones based on the severity of his offenses.
Charges Involved
Chad Barrett Jones faced a total of nine charges related to his actions during the Jan. 6 Capitol breach. These charges are as follows:
- Civil disorder
- Obstruction of an official proceeding
- Destruction of property belonging to the United States
- Entering or remaining in a restricted building
- Disorderly or disruptive conduct in a restricted building
- Engaging in physical violence in a restricted building
- Disorderly conduct in a capitol building
- Act of physical violence in the capitol building
- Parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a capitol building
Each of these charges carries its own legal consequences and reflects the severity of Jones’ actions on that day.
Events Leading to the Capitol Breach
Traveling from Kentucky to attend rally
Jones traveled from his residence in Mount Washington, Kentucky, to Washington, D.C., with the purpose of attending the “Stop the Steal” rally and other related protests. This demonstrates a premeditated intent to participate in the events that would eventually result in the Capitol breach.
Unlawfully entering restricted grounds
After attending the rally, Jones proceeded to unlawfully enter the restricted grounds of the Capitol building. His decision to trespass on this secure area shows a deliberate disregard for the law and a willingness to participate in illegal activities.
Climbing scaffolding and waving flag
Once inside the restricted grounds, Jones climbed the scaffolding on the Lower West Terrace and waved a blue flag at the crowd. This act of climbing the scaffolding and displaying the flag demonstrates his active involvement in the chaotic events unfolding at the Capitol building.
Entry into Capitol Building
Entering through Upper West Terrace door
At approximately 2:34 p.m., after rioters had breached police lines, Chad Barrett Jones entered the Capitol building through the Upper West Terrace door. This door, which had been forcibly opened by the rioters, provided Jones with unauthorized access to the interior of the building.
Navigating through Crypt, Statuary Hall, and main door hallway
Once inside the Capitol building, Jones navigated through various areas, including the Crypt, Statuary Hall, and the main door hallway. These areas are significant parts of the Capitol building and were likely filled with lawmakers, staff, and law enforcement personnel at the time of the breach.
Involvement in Speaker’s Lobby Incident
Joining crowd near Speaker’s Lobby
Upon entering the Capitol building, Chad Barrett Jones joined a crowd near the Speaker’s Lobby. The Speaker’s Lobby is a hallway that connects to the House of Representatives Chamber in the U.S. Capitol. Jones’ presence in this area indicates his active participation in the events unfolding inside the building.
Attempted breach of barricaded door
Jones was part of a large crowd that attempted to breach a barricaded door to the Speaker’s Lobby. The doorway, which was being guarded by three Capitol Police officers, had been barricaded from the inside using chairs and other items. Jones’ participation in this attempted breach highlights the aggressive and unlawful nature of his actions.
Aggressive gestures towards Capitol Police officers
Members of the crowd, including Jones, shouted and made aggressive gestures towards the Capitol Police officers guarding the barricaded door. This behavior created a hostile and dangerous environment for both the officers and other individuals present in the area.
Striking door with flagpole
Using the wooden flagpole of his rolled-up flag, Chad Barrett Jones forcefully struck the glass panels of the barricaded door. He struck the door a total of nine times while members of the crowd urged him to “break it down.” This act of aggression demonstrates Jones’ active involvement in the attempt to gain unauthorized access to the Speaker’s Lobby.
Woman shot while climbing through smashed glass panel
While Jones was standing near the door, a woman in the crowd attempted to climb through a smashed glass panel. She was shot while trying to enter the Speaker’s Lobby, further highlighting the dangerous and volatile nature of the situation during the Capitol breach.
Prosecution and Investigation
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and Counterterrorism Section of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division
The prosecution of Chad Barrett Jones is being conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia in coordination with the Counterterrorism Section of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division. These agencies are responsible for handling cases related to domestic terrorism and acts of violence against the United States government.
Assistance from U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky has provided assistance in the prosecution of Chad Barrett Jones. Collaboration between these two offices ensures that the case is handled thoroughly and efficiently, considering both the national and local implications of the Capitol breach.
Investigation by FBI’s Louisville Field Office and Washington Field Office
The FBI’s Louisville Field Office and Washington Field Office have conducted the investigation into Chad Barrett Jones’ involvement in the Capitol breach. These field offices, located in Kentucky and Washington, D.C., respectively, have dedicated resources and expertise in conducting thorough investigations into acts of domestic terrorism and political violence.
Ongoing investigation
The investigation into the Jan. 6 Capitol breach remains ongoing. Law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI, continue to identify and arrest individuals involved in the breach. The investigation aims to hold all responsible parties accountable for their actions and to ensure the safety and security of the United States government.
Contact Information
If you have any information related to the Jan. 6 Capitol breach or any other crimes, you can contact the FBI by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or by visiting tips.fbi.gov. Providing information can contribute to ongoing investigations and help maintain the safety and integrity of our democratic institutions.