September 11, 2024 - A Virginia man was sentenced to prison today after he was previously convicted on felony and misdemeanor charges related to his conduct during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. 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 2020 presidential election.
Antonio Lamotta, 64, of Chesapeake, Virginia, was sentenced to six months in prison, 24 months of supervised release, and ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution by U.S. District Judge Jia M. Cobb. Judge Cobb found Lamotta guilty of civil disorder, a felony, and two misdemeanor offenses of disorderly conduct in a Capitol building and parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building following a March 2024 bench trial in the District of Columbia.
According to court documents, Lamotta traveled from Chesapeake to Washington, D.C., on Jan. 4, 2021, and told other “patriots” to “get in here asap” via Facebook. On Jan. 6, 2021, Lamotta attended a rally near the Senate Russell Building and later approached the U.S. Capitol from the East side, where rioters had seized control of the area.
Lamotta and other rioters forced their way into the building through the East Rotunda Doors despite the blaring alarm and U.S. Capitol Police officers fighting to keep them out of the building. Once inside, Lamotta continued pushing forward in the direction of the Rotunda. He observed law enforcement officers trying to clear the area, turned to the rioters behind him, put his arm up, and waved – nineteen times – motioning rioters toward the Rotunda. A line of officers then began to push the rioters out; however, Lamotta attempted to stand his ground as some in the crowd around him violently resisted the officers.
Officers ultimately forced Lamotta and others out through the East Rotunda Door at approximately 3:30 p.m. Lamotta remained on Capitol grounds until approximately 5 p.m.
The FBI arrested Lamotta on Aug. 16, 2022.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section prosecuted this case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia provided valuable assistance.
The FBI’s Washington Field Office investigated this case. The United States Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department provided valuable assistance.
In the 44 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,504 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 560 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.
Source: DOJ Release
Related: Chesapeake, Virginia Man Convicted of Felony and Misdemeanor Charges for Actions During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach
