Virginia couple pleads guilty in Capitol riot

[brooklynite]

Source: Politico

A Virginia couple on Monday became the third and fourth defendants to plead guilty in the sprawling investigation stemming from the Capitol riot in January.

However, Jessica and Joshua Bustle of Bristow, Va., became the first to plead guilty in federal court who faced only misdemeanor charges as a result of their actions at the Capitol as lawmakers were attempting to certify President Joe Biden’s electoral college victory.

Under a deal with prosecutors, the Bustles each pleaded guilty to one of the four misdemeanor charges they faced: parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building. They could get up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $5,000, but will be spared the potential of back-to-back sentences on multiple counts.

The arrangement could serve as a template for hundreds of other misdemeanor-only cases filed related to the Jan. 6 events. Defense attorneys say it also suggests that prosecutors will not readily agree to more lenient resolutions in Capitol riot cases, such as deferring the case and dismissing it following a period of good behavior.

Read more: https://www.politico.com/news/2021/06/14/virginia-couple-pleads-guilty-capitol-riot-494355

[everyonematters]

1. I hope they gave them some good information.

[getagrip_already]

3. probably not, just clearing the load....

Plea deals like this are common. It saves prosecutors and courts precious time and resources.

But it isn't just a slap on the wrist. To get to this point probably cost them between $10k-$20k in legal fees, and they still face sentencing. And while it isn't a felony, it will still be on their records and will impact everything from employment to loans to where they can live.

No joy for them. Hopefully the courts will impose a no-profit clause.

[kiri]

6. have a taste of the prison experience

I hope they are sent to prison for even just a week. The strip searches, cavity searches, complete dehumanization, rigmarole of being registered in. Then the lack of privacy, the regimentation, daily census, following orders.

It will be a life lesson for them to see what poor blacks must endure. Might emerge in favor of prison reform.

[3Hotdogs]

7. If they are impoverished, no legal fees. Federal public defender represents them at no cost.

My friend is a federal public defender. She expects to get a couple of them assigned to her.

[getagrip_already]

11. true, but....

A pd probably won't get as soft a deal as a private firm with muscle.

Money, unfortunately, greases the system and results in better deals.

[Wuddles440]

16. Disagree!

Actually this is a "slap on the wrist", but not unexpected. Considering that they participated in an attempt to literally overthrow what remains of our democratic republic, such a plea agreement is appalling and beyond insulting to those of us who still believe in the rule of law. Only felony charges with serious fines and actual imprisonment should be considered for the insurrectionist. Such leniency will only inspire them and others in the future. As this coup attempt was only their opening salvo, they live to fight another day. If the situation had been reversed, Barr would have demanded nothing less than life in prison and most participants subjected to the death penalty. This is sending the wrong message to the MAGATTS.

[COL Mustard]

17. Not To Mention Employment

It's hard to keep a job when you're in jail, even if it's only for six months. Harder yet to explain that gap in your resume.

Good. Make them suffer.

[rpannier]

4. They may very well be nothings

Get rid of them to open up time for going after more significant individuals

[RVN VET71]

19. Agree

With all of the arrests made, DOJ should concentrate on the worst and most obviously criminal cases. I don’t know the background here, but if these 2 idiots just got caught up in the rush and behaved as mob participants usually do -- i.e., without thinking of consequences -- then the punishment, though admittedly lenient, may be acceptable providing it frees up time and limited resources to nail the most odious and most obviously treasonous s.o.b.s to the wall.

If 500 of these yokels are arrested and 400 of them walk away with burned wrists and -- this is the important part -- significantly damaged quality of life, I’m OK with that, as long as Feds grind the remaining 100 into the dust with full felony prosecution and maximum sentences.

[bottomofthehill]

2. They better get the full 6 months or this thing turns into a joke quickly

500 bucks… what the fuck.

[GB_RN]

8. $5000, Not $500

At least, according to the OP.

[bottomofthehill]

10. Thank you for catching that. I thought it was 500 and was insulted.

I did not live through that shit show for 500 dollar fines. I still think 5000 is not enough but better.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

14. "Up to"

They could get up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $5,000 ...

[mountain grammy]

5. Personally, I see none of this as a misdemeanor..

It was an attempted coup for fuck's sake. Throw the book at them.

[bottomofthehill]

9. I am with you. Obstruction of Congress

If you were in the building on 1/6 you obstructed Congress. That is a felony charge. You want a plea deal plead guilty to the felony, no guns and a year and a day in jail. If you broke in, assaulted a cop, conspired, it goes up from there

[calimary]

12. So am I.

Rapidly running out of patience and any semblance of understanding for these assholes.

Lock ‘em up!

[Deminpenn]

13. Two interesting things here

First, they have to pay restitutionof $500 each. Second, the judge delayed sentencing apparently with the view that whatever sentence he gives will be used as a template for other insurrectionists who plead guilty to the same charges.

[Maxheader]

15. Lots of new contacts have been made among the insurrectionists...

Comparing notes, deciding about further "events"...

They'll need to be watched.....

[Roisin Ni Fiachra]

18. Coddling these fascists sends the message that insurrection is not a serious offense.

The point of view that a revolution is necessary in order to install Donald Trump as dictator means that they were not mere passive "tourists".

Their right to own firearms should be taken away as part of their sentence.

[Mysterian]

20. How great that violently subverting our government is a misdemeanor

but a couple pot plants in your closet is a felony (in most states).