Nicholas Rodean, Capitol Breach, Washington District of Columbia 2021

Felony Destruction of Government Property Nets Maryland Man 10 Years in Prison

In a shocking turn of events, a Maryland man has been found guilty of felony destruction of government property and related misdemeanor offenses for his actions during the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol breach.

Nicholas Rodean, 28, of Frederick, Maryland, was found guilty of the felony offense of destruction of government property, and six misdemeanor offenses, including entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly and disruptive conduct in a Capitol Building; engaging in physical violence in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly conduct in a Capitol Building; committing an act of physical violence in the Capitol grounds of Capitol Building, and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol Building.

The bench trial was held before U.S. District Court Judge Trevor N. McFadden. According to the government’s evidence, on Jan. 6, 2021, Rodean illegally entered the grounds of the Capitol. He was part of a group of rioters who pushed past law enforcement officers stationed on terrace stairs next to scaffolding set up on the northwest side of the building.

Rodean’s actions caused over $1,000 in damage to the windows, making the destruction of property charge a felony. He was arrested on Jan. 13, 2021, in Washington, D.C. Rodean is currently awaiting sentencing on Oct. 21, 2022. The felony destruction of government property charge carries a statutory maximum of 10 years in prison and potential financial penalties.

The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana and the Criminal Division.

The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, which identified Rodean as #23 on its seeking information photos. Valuable assistance was provided by the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office, the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

Since the Capitol breach, over 850 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for their roles in the riot.

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