A Texas man, Mario Mares, has been indicted on felony and misdemeanor charges for his involvement in the breach of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Mares is accused of entering and remaining in a restricted area, unlawfully possessing a firearm, and engaging in behavior intended to impede official functions of the U.S. government. The four-count indictment was returned by a grand jury in the District of Columbia, charging Mares with two felony offenses and various misdemeanor offenses. This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice’s National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas and the FBI’s Dallas Division, Abilene Resident Agency, and Washington Field Offices. Over 1,069 individuals have been arrested in connection with the Capitol breach, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Background
In recent news, a Texas man has been indicted on felony and misdemeanor charges related to his actions during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. This breach disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress that was convened to verify and count the electoral votes for the presidential election. The accused individual, Mario Mares, 49, from Ballinger, Texas, has been charged with two felony offenses and various misdemeanor offenses in a four-count indictment returned by a grand jury in the District of Columbia.
Description of the Indictment
The indictment against Mario Mares includes charges for entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds with a deadly or dangerous weapon, as well as unlawful possession of a firearm on Capitol grounds or buildings. In addition, Mares is facing misdemeanor charges for disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, as well as disorderly conduct in a Capitol building. These charges stem from his alleged actions during the breach on January 6, 2021.
Felony Charges
One of the felony charges brought against Mario Mares is for entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds with a deadly or dangerous weapon. This charge highlights the seriousness of unlawfully entering an area that is restricted and posing a threat by carrying a deadly weapon. Additionally, Mares is facing a charge for unlawful possession of a firearm on Capitol grounds or buildings. This offense underscores the gravity of possessing a firearm in a restricted location.
Misdemeanor Charges
In addition to the felony charges, Mario Mares is also facing misdemeanor charges related to his actions during the Capitol breach. One of the misdemeanor charges is for disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds. This charge signifies the disruptive nature of Mares’ behavior while he was in the restricted area. He is also facing a misdemeanor charge for disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, highlighting the disorderly actions that took place within the Capitol building.
Details of the Indictment
The indictment against Mario Mares provides details of his alleged actions on January 6, 2021. According to the indictment, Mares entered and remained in the Capitol building and its grounds, despite it being a restricted area. It is also stated in the indictment that Mares was in unlawful possession of a black semi-automatic handgun while he was in the restricted area. Furthermore, Mares is accused of engaging in behavior with the intent to impede the official functions of the U.S. government.
Arrest and Initial Appearance
Mario Mares was arrested on August 2, 2023, in Ballinger, Texas. Following his arrest, he is scheduled to make his initial appearance in the Northern District of Texas – Abilene Division. This initial appearance is an important step in the legal process, where Mares will be informed of the charges against him and may have the opportunity to enter a plea.
Prosecution and Investigation
The case against Mario Mares is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, along with the assistance of the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas has also provided valuable assistance in this case. The investigation into Mares’ actions on January 6, 2021, is being conducted by the FBI’s Dallas Division, Abilene Resident Agency, and Washington Field Offices. The U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department have also lent their assistance to the investigation.
Scope of the Investigation
The investigation into the breach of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, has been extensive. Over 1,069 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach. Among these individuals, more than 350 have been charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. This ongoing investigation emphasizes the commitment to holding accountable those who participated in the breach and ensuring justice is served.
Tips and Contact Information
If you have any tips or information related to the case against Mario Mares or any other individuals involved in the Capitol breach, you can contact the FBI by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visiting tips.fbi.gov. It is important to provide any relevant information that can contribute to the ongoing investigation.
Presumption of Innocence
It is crucial to remember that an indictment is merely an allegation and does not imply guilt. Mario Mares, like all defendants, is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The judicial process will determine the outcome of the case, and Mares is entitled to his day in court to present his defense.
Conclusion
The indictment of a Texas man on felony and misdemeanor charges for his actions during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to hold accountable those involved in the events of that day. The alleged actions of Mario Mares, including entering a restricted area with a deadly weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm, are serious offenses that warrant a thorough investigation and prosecution. As the investigation continues, it is important to remember the presumption of innocence granted to all defendants until proven guilty in a court of law.