The leader of the right-wing Oath Keepers, Stewart Rhodes, charged with seditious conspiracy for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol was denied bond on Wednesday by Magistrate Judge Kimberly Priest Johnson who argued that Rhodes’ release is dangerous for the safety and wellbeing of others.
In the written decision, she pointed out that her decision to deny him bail was fueled by the evidence of him planning a much more violent attack in Washington, D.C. as well as the fact that, if released, the Oath Keepers leader could easily seek refuge from custody and avoid being apprehended.
Magistrate Johnson wrote in the order that there’s a credible threat that Rhodes’ release might endanger others on top of the evidence that shows a propensity towards violence in his personal relationships.
She also underscored it’s almost impossible to effectively monitor technical savvy Rhodes’ communications due to his knowledge and use of encrypted messaging, while his military training, access to substantial weaponry, and ability to finance any future insurrection, along with his authoritative role in the conspiracy, makes him highly dangerous.
Alleging that Rhodes encouraged Oath Keepers’ members to use violence following the 2020 presidential election to prevent President Biden from assuming the White House, the US Justice Department marked a significant point in its efforts following the Jan. 6 riot when arresting and charging him on Jan. 13.
The Oath Keepers leader faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
Magistrate Johnson’s decision was in line with the Prosecution’s demand for Rhodes to be kept in jail while awaiting trial pointing he’s a flight risk and a danger to the community due to his willingness and capacity to engage in criminal behavior.
The Oath Keepers leader’s lawyer at the time, Jonathon Moseley, argued that Prosecution’s motion for his client’s detention was fiction.
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