WASHINGTON – June 21, 2022:  A Florida man was convicted guilty of four misdemeanor charges for his acts during the Capitol breach on January 6, 2021. His and others' efforts disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to determine and tally the electoral votes for the presidential election.

Jesus Rivera, 38, was found guilty of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive behaviour in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a Capitol Building, and marching, protesting, or picketing in a Capitol Building. The bench trial was presided over by United States District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly.

Early in the afternoon on January 6, 2021, Rivera illegally violated a perimeter set up by law enforcement agents and entered the Capitol grounds, initially in the Northwest Lawn region, according to government evidence. He then traveled to the Upper West Terrace area after joining a mob that pushed against law enforcement personnel attempting to protect the area. He urged the crowd with screams of "Come on!" On the Capitol grounds, he also posted videos, including one in which he said, "My birthday is in three days, but I'll take this one. Today is my f—— birthday! " Officers fought to keep the mob outside as Rivera joined the rioters outside the Senate Wing Door. He entered the structure through a broken window. He proceeded to record videos as he traversed the corridors and the Crypt.

Rivera eventually exited the Capitol after nearly twenty minutes. Later, he boasted, "This is something we can share with our children."

Rivera was detained in Pensacola, Florida, on January 20, 2021. A sentencing date has not yet been set. Two of the offenses carry maximum penalties of one year, while the other two carry maximum penalties of six months. The charges may potentially result in monetary penalties. After considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors, the Court will determine the appropriate sentence.

The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida.

            The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Jacksonville Field Office and its Pensacola Resident Agency. Valuable assistance was provided by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, the Metropolitan Police Department, and the U.S. Capitol Police.

            In the 17 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 840 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including over 250 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing.

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


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