Paul Hodgkins, Obstruction of Official Proceeding, Florida 2022

Florida Man Pleads Guilty in U.S. Capitol Breach

A Florida man has pleaded guilty to obstructing an official proceeding in connection with the January 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. Paul Hodgkins, 38, of Tampa, Florida, entered the U.S. Capitol building at approximately 2:50 p.m. on January 6, 2021.

Hodgkins proceeded to enter the Senate chamber, walk among the desks, and then remove eye goggles. He took a ‘selfie-style’ photograph with his cell phone and walked down the Senate well where, a few feet away, several individuals were shouting, praying and cheering using a bullhorn. Hodgkins walked toward the individuals and remained standing with them while they continued commanding the attention of others.

The 38-year-old pleaded guilty to one count of obstructing an official proceeding. Hodgkins is scheduled to be sentenced on July 19, 2023 at 10 a.m. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The Honorable Randolph D. Moss accepted Hodgkins’ guilty plea.

The FBI’s Washington Field Office investigated this case, with significant assistance provided by the FBI Tampa Field Office, the U.S. Capitol Police, and the DC Metropolitan Police Department.

Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

The charges contained in the complaint are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Hodgkins faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or twice the monetary gain or loss of the offense.

Paul Hodgkins, 38, of Tampa, Florida, pleaded guilty to obstructing an official proceeding in connection with the January 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol.

Hodgkins entered the U.S. Capitol building at approximately 2:50 p.m. on January 6, 2021. He was scheduled to be sentenced on July 19, 2023, at 10 a.m.

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