Illinois Man Sentenced to Nearly 1 Year in Prison for Role in Capitol Attack
Sentence Includes 11 Months in Prison and a Year of Supervised Release
An Illinois man was sentenced Friday to nearly a year in federal prison for smashing a window in the U.S. Capitol building during the attack on Jan. 6, 2021.
LaGesse Pleaded Guilty to Felony Charge of Destruction of Property
Justin LaGesse, 38, of McLeansboro, about 300 miles south of Chicago, was sentenced to 11 months in prison to be followed by a year of supervised release. He had pleaded guilty in September to a felony charge of destruction of property, according to court records.
Ordered to Pay $43,315 in Restitution
LaGesse also was ordered to pay $43,315 in restitution for the damage he made when he used his flagpole to break a large exterior window on the Capitol, according to court documents.
Co-Defendant’s Sentencing Hearing Scheduled for February 12
LaGesse’s co-defendant, 37-year-old Theodore Middendorf, also of McLeansboro, has pleaded guilty to destruction of property. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 12.
Events Leading Up to the Attack
LaGesse and Middendorf entered the Capitol through a broken window about 2:50 p.m. and made their way toward the center section of the building known as the crypt, according to a statement of facts filed in the case.
Confrontation with Police
After leaving the Capitol, LaGesse and Middendorf approached a line of Metropolitan Police Department officers standing behind a bicycle rack barricade. LaGesse called the officers “f—— traitors” and “f—— communist scum,” according to court documents.
Breaking the Window
The men then walked around to the north side of the building where a group of rioters were trying to break through a door. As officers held back the rioters, LaGesse and Middendorf approached a nearby window and struck it several times with their flagpoles, court documents said. LaGesse carried a yellow flag with decorated with a coiled snake above the phrase “Don’t Tread on Me,” known as a Gadsden flag. Middendorf held an American flag.
Prior Planning and Motivation
LaGesse and Middendorf planned in December 2020 to travel to Washington to join other supporters of former President Donald Trump to protest the results of the 2020 presidential election, according to court documents.
Broader Context
More than 50 Illinois residents have faced criminal charges in connection with the Jan. 6 riot. More than 1,500 people from across the country have been arrested in connection with the attack. Trump has promised to pardon many of those charged in the attack once he retakes office later this month.
Conclusion
The sentencing of Justin LaGesse serves as a reminder of the seriousness of the events that transpired on January 6, 2021, and the consequences that can result from violent and destructive behavior.
FAQs
Q: What was the sentence handed down to Justin LaGesse?
A: LaGesse was sentenced to 11 months in prison to be followed by a year of supervised release.
Q: What was LaGesse’s role in the Capitol attack?
A: LaGesse used his flagpole to break a large exterior window on the Capitol building.
Q: How many Illinois residents have faced criminal charges in connection with the Jan. 6 riot?
A: More than 50 Illinois residents have faced criminal charges.
Q: How many people have been arrested in connection with the attack?
A: More than 1,500 people from across the country have been arrested.
