- In a Friday sentencing memo, an Oklahoma Capitol riot defendant requested to be released from jail.
- Jerry Ryals claimed that he had already lost his wife and job, as well as the ability to possess firearms and vote.
- Prosecutors allege that Ryals made a video in January talking about “overthrowing” the Capitol.
The attorney for a Capitol riot defendant listed the consequences that he claims his client suffered due to his participation in the attack on January 6. He also petitioned a judge for leniency.
Jerry RyalsOklahoma Pled guiltyHe was convicted of one count each of civil disorder and criminal mischief in May. He was initially charged with five charges, including obstruction of an oficial proceeding, entering and remaining, as well as disorderly conduct. The government is now pursuing the charges. More than 900 people have been arrestedIn connection to the attack, federal prosecutors offered certain rioters less severe charges in exchange Guilty pleas.
Ryals filed a Friday complaint with the attorney. Memorandum of sentencingInstead of requesting that he be sentenced to two years probation, he suggested that a sentence of no more than two years is appropriate. Federal sentencing guidelines allow for a maximum sentence up to five years in prison.
Ryan J. Reilly, NBC NewsRyals’ request was first reported by the first person to do so.
—Ryan J. Reilly (@ryanjreilly) September 30, 2022
In court documents, the defendant’s lawyer painted a picture that depicted his client as a “gentle titan” who was betrayed in election lies by former President Donald Trump.
Jay P. Mykytiuk, an attorney, wrote that Mr. Ryals was not like many others who were involved in the January 6th riot. He was not armed. He didn’t force his way into Capitol. He was not physically contacted by law enforcement.”
Mykytiuk admitted Ryals had “expressed his support” to those who led the breach of the building but did not say he “joint them at the front.”
Ryals has “already experienced the impact” of his role in the insurrection. Ryals’ lawyer said that he lost his job, and was forced to leave his wife due to the siege. Ryals, who is described as an “avid hunter” will also be barred from owning firearms as a result of his conviction and will no longer be able to vote — “a right he cherished so deeply.”
Mykytiuk said that most people in the community knew of his crime due to its historic nature and massive publicity. Many have also shunned him as a result.”
The lawyer declined to comment about Ryals’ sentencing options.
He isn’t the only January 6 defendant to speak out about the personal consequences of the siege. An earlier Texas lawyer stated that he had “hit rock bottom” in the past year. after he lost his fiancée, friends, and job.
Ryals and two “like-minded friends” traveled from Oklahoma to Washington, DC to hear Trump speak at the “Stop the Steal” rally that preceded the riot, according the to court documents. Ryals took several photos and videos of himself and others at the riot, prosecutors said, including one in which he said “we definitely have enough people to overthrow this bitch.”
They don’t have a chance. I’m pretty sure we got the fucking door open there. According to court documents, Ryals stated that they are slowly but surely making our way into the room.
More than 900 people are currently in prisonIn connection with the attack, Nearly 400 people have pleaded guilty to this point.
