TEXAS, USA — On Jan. 6, 2021, a mob loyal to former President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol in a bid to overturn the presidential election that was called in favor of President Joe Biden. Lawmakers were forced to crouch under desks and don gas masks as police unsuccessfully attempted to barricade the building.
A week later, former President Trump was impeached for a historic second time, charged with "incitement of insurrection" in connection with the riot. In the wake of the riot, more than 725 people nationwide have been arrested, including more than 60 from Texas.
Among those were a number of Central Texas men whose arrests KVUE previously reported on. We checked in on where their cases stand.
Jeffrey Witcher and Richard Barnard
On March 26, 2021, KVUE reported that Jeffrey Shane Witcher of Bastrop and Richard Franklin Barnard of Georgetown were charged after being linked to the Capitol riot via photos and videos posted on social media.
According to a document obtained by KVUE, Witcher pleaded guilty in the fall of 2021 to a charge of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds. The document states that the charge carries a maximum sentence of one year of imprisonment, a fine of no more than $100,000 and "an obligation to pay any applicable interest or penalties on fines and restitution not timely made."
According to a separate document obtained by KVUE, Barnard also pleaded guilty in the fall of 2021 to a charge of parading, demonstrating or picketing in a capitol building. The document states that the charge carries a maximum sentence of six months of imprisonment, a fine of no more than $5,000 and "an obligation to pay any applicable interest or penalties on fines and restitution not timely made."
Barnard was eventually sentenced to 12 months of probation, 30 days of home confinement, 60 hours of community service and $500 restitution. Witcher was sentenced to 12 months of probation, 60 hours of community service and $500 restitution.
Samuel Christopher Montoya
On April 14, 2021, KVUE reported that Samuel Christopher Montoya, a San Marcos man who worked for Infowars, had been arrested in connection with the Capitol riot.
On Jan. 11, a family member of Montoya's tipped off the FBI that he was inside the Capitol building and had recorded video of the deadly shooting of Ashli Babbitt, a 35-year-old Air Force veteran who lived in San Diego. Babbitt was shot and killed by police during the riot.
Montoya was charged with entering a restricted building; disorderly and disruptive conduct in a Capitol building; impeding passage through the Capitol; and parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building.
Montoya pleaded not guilty to all counts. A phone conference is scheduled for July 8 at 10 a.m.
Andrew Morgan Jr.
KVUE also reported in April 2021 that Andrew Morgan Jr. of Caldwell County was charged on April 2 with knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority, violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds, obstruction of an official proceeding and aiding and abetting.
Morgan was indicted on April 21. He pleaded not guilty on April 27. A status conference is scheduled for July 6.
Joseph Cable Barnes
In February 2021, KVUE reported that Joseph Cable Barnes, an Austin real estate executive, was also accused of being involved in the riot.
Barnes died in a motorcycle wreck in 2021.
Others
Jason Owens (Blanco)
Arrested on April 16, 2021. Initial appearance held April 19.
Superseding indictment filed Nov. 17, 2021.
Status conference scheduled for July 8.
Geoffrey Samuel Shough (Austin)
Complaint filed Feb. 17, 2022. Arrested March 1.
He was just indicted a week ago. No future dates set yet.
Jonathon Shroyer (Infowars)
Arrested Aug. 23, 2021. Charged via criminal information on Aug. 25
Status conference scheduled for June 23 at 10 a.m.
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