Joseph Kerry Hicks, a U.S. Air Force veteran from Missouri, has become the 30th out of the 37 residents from the state to be sentenced in connection to the Capitol riot cases. Hicks was charged for his involvement in the violent insurrection that occurred on January 6, 2021.
During the sentencing hearing, it was revealed that Hicks had pleaded guilty to obstruction of an official proceeding, a felony offense. He was sentenced to three months in prison and three months of home confinement, along with two years of supervised release and a $1,000 fine.
Hicks expressed remorse for his actions during the riot and apologized for his behavior. His defense attorney argued that Hicks had been misled by former President Donald Trump’s false claims about the election being stolen, leading him to participate in the riot.
The judge presiding over the case acknowledged Hicks’ military service and stated that while he deserved credit for that, he also needed to be held accountable for his role in the insurrection. The judge emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and respecting the democratic process.
With Hicks’ sentencing, the legal consequences for the Missouri residents involved in the Capitol riot continue to unfold. The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing repercussions for those who participated in the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol. As the Department of Justice continues to prosecute individuals involved in the riot, it sends a strong message that such actions will not be tolerated in a democratic society.
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