WASHINGTON — A federal appeals court on Friday reversed portions of a defendant's Jan. 6 ruling that could affect more than 100 other lawsuits related to the 2021 storming of the U.S. Capitol.
The ruling, by a three-judge panel in Washington, D.C., comes on the day Congress certified Joe Biden's victory over Donald Trump. The court's “increased'' sentencing was considered. The Court of Appeals ruled that “'administration of justice' does not include Congress's role in the elector certification process.”
The ruling could open the door to re-sentencing of the defendant, who received a similar sentence to Larry Bullock, who appealed to a Washington court on Jan. 6. The Committee fully supported Mr. Bullock's conviction.
“We must apply the guidelines as written. Mr. Bullock's interference in one step of the Electoral College vote counting process undoubtedly jeopardizes the democratic process and threatens Congress' constitutional efforts.” Although it temporarily derailed the law, it did not interfere with the 'execution of justice.' The judgment, handed down by Judge Patricia A. Millett, stated:
Bullock was found guilty of six charges, including “fraudulently obstructing Congress' certification of the electoral count.'' Former President Donald Trump has also been charged with obstructing his official proceedings. He pleaded not guilty.
Enhancements were applied to the cases of more than 100 defendants in the Jan. 6 incident, said Patricia Hartman, a spokeswoman for the DCUS attorney's office.
More than 1,300 defendants have been charged in connection with the January 6 riot. About 750 people have pleaded guilty in federal cases, and about 785 have been sentenced.
The Supreme Court is scheduled to issue a separate decision on the defendant's appeal on Jan. 6 related to the obstruction charge. The high court's decision will also affect other defendants charged with similar obstruction charges on Jan. 6.
