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The U.S. Department of Justice reports that as of the 25-month mark since the breach at the U.S. Capitol, there have been 500 guilty pleas resolving felonies to misdemeanors,  and 1,003 persons have been charged.  Among the defendants  still in process are four Lindstrom area men;  Jonah, Robert and Isaac Westbury and Aaron James, who have been moving through hearings and motions as a grouping.  They recently appeared before U.S. Judge Rudolph Contreras, who approved pushing their cases to a virtual hearing March 24.

The men are not detained,  under the condition they participate in remote hearings and keep in contact with attorneys and the court, which they have done.  

James is on supervised release and periodically local law enforcement  are asked to accompany a federal marshal to his Lindstrom residence for an unannounced visit.

James faces a felony charge of using a dangerous weapon during his participation in the mob activity at the nation’s capitol.

The three other men face various charges ranging from use of dangerous weapon, to entering or remaining in a restricted building, and assaulting, resisting or impeding officers.  

All are charged with parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building.

The FBI is still trying to identify 260 people on about 14 videos that are posted on-line for the public to view and aid in the investigation.  Federal authorities state that the prosecutions could not have progressed as well as they have without the public’s help.  

See still photos and videos at www.fbi.gov/wanted/capitol-violence.

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