“Fuck You” Rioter Faces Five Years In Felony Guilty Plea

From the Justice Department:

A Michigan man pleaded guilty today to assaulting law enforcement officers and inflicting bodily injury during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the presidential election.

Justin Jersey, 32, of Flint, pleaded guilty in the District of Columbia. According to court documents, on Jan. 6, Jersey was part of a mob that confronted law enforcement officers at the Archway leading into the Capitol Building from the Lower West Terrace.

At approximately 4:26 p.m., Jersey was on the steps leading to the Archway and carrying a large, gnarled stick. He raised the stick behind his head and moved towards the Archway. Jersey eventually gave the stick to another rioter, but at 4:27 p.m., he sprang at the line of officers.

Jersey charged at a Metropolitan Police Department officer who was positioned at the opening of the Archway, grabbing his face, and knocking him to the ground. Jersey and the officer then grappled over the officer’s baton.

Another rioter then kicked the officer, who was still on the ground. As a result of the attack, the officer sustained serious physical injuries, including a laceration to his head, and bruising and abrasions to his body. Jersey, meanwhile, was able to grab another baton and used it to strike other officers in the Archway.

Jersey was arrested in Flint on Dec. 2, 2021. He is to be sentenced on Feb. 10, 2023. He faces a statutory maximum of 20 years in prison, as well as potential financial penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Jersey was arrested after his girlfriend tagged him at the riot in a Facebook post.