Illinois Businessman Faces Federal Charges Related to U.S. Capitol Riots

 Posted on January 15, 2021 in Federal Crimes

The nation looked on in horror as a protest in the nation’s capital turned violent and destructive last week, leading to a number of injuries and widespread damage to one of America’s most iconic buildings. Thousands of protestors gathered in front of the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, DC, on January 6 as lawmakers were assembled to certify the results of November’s presidential election. According to various news outlets, the protest turned destructive as hundreds of people managed to get past Capitol security and into the building itself.

In the days that followed, authorities announced the filing of federal charges against a number of the people who were allegedly involved. Among the first 13 arrested on federal charges was the CEO of a Chicago-area tech company who is now facing at least three federal charges for his alleged actions last week. Several dozen others were arrested and charged with unlawful entry and curfew violations in Washington, DC Superior Court.

Federal Charges Lead to Termination

According to various news outlets, an Inverness man was charged last week with three federal crimes, including violent entry and disorderly conduct on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol. The 52-year-old was the chief executive officer of a small data technology company based in Schaumburg.

On the evening of his arrest, the man issued an apology on Twitter. In his tweet, he said he “followed hundreds of others” into the Capitol through a set of open doors “to see what was taking place inside.” He went to apologize to law enforcement for his actions, calling them the “worst personal decision” of his life.

The next day, the Schaumburg data tech company announced that the man had been terminated and that another company officer would be serving as acting CEO. In a statement, the acting CEO indicated that the decision had been made because the man’s actions were not consistent with the company’s core values.

More Arrests Are Likely

Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Michael Sherwin issued a statement in which he assured Americans that his office was not done with this case. He indicated that he would be working with law enforcement agencies at all levels and using “every resource to identify, arrest, and begin prosecuting” those who engaged in criminal behavior at the Capitol. Sherwin promised that those who have been or will be arrested for engaging in or inciting violence “will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Contact a Chicago Federal Crimes Defense Attorney

If you or someone you know has been arrested on any type of federal charge, it is critical to work closely with an attorney who has experience in dealing with federal prosecutors and judges. Attorney Hal M. Garfinkel has been practicing law for more than 30 years, including many years in the area of federal criminal defense. Contact our skilled Chicago federal criminal defense lawyer at the Law Offices of Hal M. Garfinkel. Call us today at 312-629-0669 to schedule a free consultation. Phones are answered 24 hours a day for your convenience.

Sources:

https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/illinois-ceo-among-13-charged-in-federal-court-after-us-capitol-riot-doj/2411973/

https://wgntv.com/news/suburban-man-among-13-charged-in-federal-court-following-us-capitol-riot/