Two men have been sentenced to prison for their involvement in the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Michael Oliveras from New Jersey and James Weeks from New York have been held accountable for their actions during the insurrection. Oliveras, 51, was found guilty of assaulting police officers, engaging in civil disorder, and obstructing an official proceeding. Evidence showed that he actively participated in the violence at the Capitol and encouraged others to do the same. Despite his guilty plea, Oliveras later chose to go to trial, where a federal jury convicted him on all charges. He was sentenced to five years in prison by U.S. District Judge Beryl A. Howell.
On the other hand, 55-year-old James Weeks from New York was also sentenced to more than two years in jail for his role in the attack. Weeks pleaded guilty to hitting a police officer, allowing rioters into the Capitol, and damaging property during the insurrection. Both men have now joined the 1,504 individuals who have been charged in connection to the riots on January 6.
Lawyers for Oliveras and Weeks did not provide any immediate comment on the sentencing. The U.S. Attorney’s office in Washington, D.C. commended the convictions as a step towards holding those responsible for the violence at the Capitol accountable. The sentences serve as a warning to others who took part in the insurrection that they will face consequences for their actions.
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