Erik Scott Warner : “Southern California Men Sentenced for Capitol Riot”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Southern California Capitol rioters
2. Federal prison sentencing for Capitol rioters in California

Four Southern California men have been sentenced to federal prison for their involvement in the January 6th U.S. Capitol riot. The Department of Justice revealed that the men, identified as “Three Percenters,” were part of an antigovernment group. Erik Scott Warner, Felipe Antonio Martinez, Derek Kinnison, and Ronald Mele received prison sentences ranging from 21 to 33 months, along with fines and supervised release. The men were convicted of various charges related to obstructing an official proceeding, entering a restricted building, and disorderly conduct. Prosecutors detailed how the group planned and actively participated in the riot, carrying weapons and inciting the crowd. Warner and Kinnison even deleted evidence after the event.

Four Southern California Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Participating in Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol Riot

In a recent development, four Southern California men have been sentenced to federal prison for their involvement in the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol riot. The Department of Justice revealed that these men were identified as “Three Percenters,” a group classified as antigovernment by the Southern Poverty Law Center.

**Sentencing Details**

The convicted felons, Erik Scott Warner, Felipe Antonio Martinez, Derek Kinnison, and Ronald Mele, received similar prison sentences for their actions. Warner, 48, of Menifee, California, was sentenced to 27 months in prison. Martinez, 50, of Lake Elsinore, California, received a 21-month prison term. Kinnison, 42, of Lake Elsinore, California, and Mele, 54, of Temecula, California, were both sentenced to 33 months in prison. Additionally, the federal judge ordered each man to pay $2,000 in restitution and complete 36 months of supervised release.

**Convictions**

The federal court convicted all four men of conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding and obstruction of an official proceeding. Each man was also found guilty of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds and disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, all of which are misdemeanors. Furthermore, Warner and Kinnison were convicted of an additional felony charge of tampering with documents or records.

**Details of the Riot**

During the trial, prosecutors revealed that the four men collaborated to collect weapons, travel to Washington D.C., and disrupt Congress’ certification of the 2020 election. They operated under the name “The California Patriots — DC Brigade” on Telegram. On the day of the insurrection, the group participated in the “Stop the Steal” rally before heading towards the Capitol. Upon arrival, Kinnison exclaimed, “This is the storm of the Capitol,” as they navigated through the crowd.

**Active Participation in the Riot**

Prosecutors stated that all four men actively engaged in the riot by inciting the crowd, wearing tactical plate carriers, and carrying weapons such as bear spray, a wooden flag pole, and knives. Mele even took a selfie video as he marched up the northwest stairs while shouting “Storm the Capitol.” After the riot, Warner and Kinnison deleted the Telegram chat from their phones.

**Significance of the Case**

In the over three years since Jan. 6, federal prosecutors have charged more than 1,387 individuals with crimes related to the breach, with nearly 500 facing charges for assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The sentencing of these four Southern California men underscores the seriousness of their actions and serves as a reminder of the consequences of participating in such unlawful activities.

Stay tuned for more updates on this ongoing case as it continues to unfold.