DOJ seeks 14-year prison sentence for Jan. 6 rioter who pleaded guilty to using Taser on police officer
The Department of Justice (DOJ) is planning to seek a 14-year prison sentence for a Jan 6. defendant who pleaded guilty to using a Taser on former Capitol Police officer Michael Fanone during the insurrection.
According to a sentencing memorandum filed last week, federal prosecutors argued that Daniel Rodriguez’s actions on that day add up to domestic terrorism, referring to him as “one of the most violent defendants” on Jan 6.
Rodriguez, a Fontana, Calif., resident, pleaded guilty in February to conspiracy, obstruction of an official proceeding, obstruction of justice and assaulting a law enforcement officer with a dangerous weapon as part of his plea deal.
Rodriguez also admitted to assaulting Fanone during the insurrection. He used a taser on the Fanone twice in the back of his neck as Fanone was then dragged into the crowd by other rioters.
Fanone, who currently serves as a law enforcement analyst for CNN, suffered a minor heart attack and a traumatic brain injury in the attack, resulting in his resignation from the police force.
Federal prosecutors said Rodriguez was part of a Telegram group chat created in 2020 called “Patriots 45 MAGA Gang.” Group members used the platform to coordinate their activities before, during and after the riot, which includes stockpiling weapons and tactical gear to bring to Washington, D.C.
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https://thehill.com/homenews/4046758-doj-seeks-14-year-prison-sentence-for-jan-6-rioter-who-pleaded-guilty-to-using-taser-on-police-officer/