The cope with Keller suggests prosecutors would possibly attempt to use him as a star witness at upcoming trials, banking on his notoriety as a adorned athlete who gained gold medals in swimming on the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2004 Athens Olympics.
Till now, the one rioters who’ve struck cooperation offers had been members of extremist teams who might testify in opposition to their fellow members.
Investigators recognized Keller, 38, after he was noticed in video footage contained in the Capitol sporting his US Olympic Staff jacket. Keller, who’s 6-foot-6, towered over the opposite rioters within the footage, prosecutors stated through the Wednesday listening to, making it simple for investigators to hint his actions through the hour he spent contained in the Capitol.
At one level, Keller squared off in opposition to police, shouted about Democratic lawmakers, and shook off officers who tried to usher him out of the constructing, prosecutors stated through the listening to.
Within the days following the riot, Keller destroyed the cellphone and reminiscence card that he dropped at Washington, prosecutors stated. He additionally threw away his US Olympic Staff jacket.
“He is clearly attempting to make amends for the horrible resolution he made on January 6,” Keller’s lawyer Edward MacMahon advised the choose. “He is embarrassed by what he did that day and desires to make amends to the courtroom and to the American folks.”
The Justice Division and Keller agreed to delay sentencing till after he has completed helping investigators.
“We assist the correct to peacefully protest and specific values and viewpoints in a respectful and lawful method — that’s what makes our democracy sturdy. Sadly, that isn’t what occurred on this case,” the group stated.
Prosecutors have charged a minimum of 615 folks in connection to the Capitol riot. Ninety defendants have pleaded responsible to this point, with most admitting to misdemeanor fees.
This story has been up to date with extra info.
