A Colorado man has been sentenced to over five years in prison on Thursday for his involvement in dragging a law enforcement officer into a crowd during the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, as revealed by prosecutors.
Jeffrey Sabol, 53, has been sentenced to 3 years of supervised release and ordered to pay over $32,000 in restitution, as stated in a press release by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. Sabol was found guilty of three felony charges, including obstruction of an official proceeding, for his actions during the January 6 riot.
According to court documents, Sabol made a journey from Colorado to Washington, D.C., to witness former President Trump’s speech at the Ellipse during the “Stop the Steal” rally on the day of the Jan. 6 riot. Accompanying him were fellow members of a “self-described ‘neighborhood watch’ group.”
The press release mentioned that before their departure, the group members held a discussion regarding the items they should bring along. As per the recommendation of one of the members, Sabol ensured to pack essentials such as a helmet, a trauma kit, a buck knife, and zip ties.
According to prosecutors, Sabol later proceeded to delete text messages and other communication records from his cell phone.
According to the documents, he attempted to escape the United States by booking a flight to Switzerland. However, he was unable to board the plane. As a result, he rented a car and headed towards Westchester, New York. It was there that the FBI apprehended him on January 11, 2021.
During his hearing, Sabol admitted his complete guilt and expressed his willingness to apologize to the officers if they were present (The Associated Press).
“I will accept whatever you hand me,” Sabol honestly admitted to the judge, according to the AP. “I acknowledge that I deserve it.”
According to the release, federal charges have been filed against over 1,300 individuals in connection with the insurrection. Out of those who have been charged, more than 800 individuals have already received their sentences.
