Somerville Man Gets a Year for Jan. 6 Riot

Somerville resident Noah S. Bacon is headed to federal prison after being sentenced for his participation in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Bacon, 34, received a 12-month sentence from U.S. District Judge Christopher R. Cooper after being convicted of obstruction of an official proceeding – a felony – and multiple misdemeanor charges. The case underscores the continued fallout from the riot and the relentless pursuit of those involved by federal authorities.

The feds proved Bacon wasn’t just a bystander. Court records show he unlawfully entered the Capitol building around 2:15 p.m. and spent nearly 50 minutes roaming through key areas, including the Crypt, Rotunda, and Senate Gallery. He didn’t simply observe the chaos; he actively contributed to it. Bacon was seen attempting to *keep a door open* as other rioters surged inside from the East Front, effectively aiding their unlawful entry. He also took steps to disable a security camera, covering it with a “Don’t Tread on Me” flag, a blatant attempt to evade identification.

The obstruction charge stems from Bacon’s interference with law enforcement efforts to secure the Senate Gallery. He and others prevented Capitol Police officers from regaining control of the doors. Crucially, Bacon also unlatched a cam bolt on a second door within the Senate Chamber balcony, directly facilitating entry for more rioters. This wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision; it was a deliberate act intended to help others break the law and disrupt the certification of the presidential election.

The evidence presented at trial wasn’t just video footage. Investigators pieced together Bacon’s movements using security camera recordings and witness testimony. The government successfully argued that Bacon’s actions weren’t merely a protest gone awry; they were a calculated attempt to obstruct a legitimate government function. The jury clearly agreed, delivering a guilty verdict on March 3, 2023, after considering the weight of the evidence. The feds didn’t mess around.

In addition to the 12-month prison term, Judge Cooper ordered Bacon to serve two years of supervised release and pay $2,000 in restitution. This financial penalty is intended to cover some of the costs associated with the damage and disruption caused by the riot. Bacon is just one of over 1,069 individuals arrested in connection with the January 6th breach, a number that continues to climb as the investigation remains active. The FBI’s Boston and Washington Field Offices, along with the U.S. Capitol Police and Metropolitan Police Department, collaborated on the investigation and arrest.

Federal prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts played a key role in securing the conviction and sentencing. This case serves as a stark reminder that those who stormed the Capitol will be held accountable for their actions, no matter how long it takes. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information related to the January 6th riot is urged to contact the authorities. This isn’t over, and the feds are still coming for those who participated in the insurrection.