- The Capitol mob, which hired free lawyers, raised $17,000 to cover legal fees, prosecutors say.
- Dozens of other January 6 defendants are raising money on crowdfunding sites.
- Prosecutors have argued that some defendants are seeking to personally benefit from the charges.
The Capitol riot defendant raised thousands of dollars to cover his legal costs, prosecutors allege, even though he had a free state-appointed attorney.
public prosecutor claim in a sentencing memorandum John Strand “raised more than $17,300 for a ‘legal defense’ without disclosing that he actually had taxpayer-funded attorneys.”
Strand, an actor and cover model for romance novels, convicted Last September, he was indicted on five counts, including violent entry and disorderly conduct when he broke into the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
In court filings, prosecutors allege Strand “should pay a fine of at least $17,300 to be removed.” [him] because he profited from the crime,” he said, because he did not pay his legal fees.
“Mr. Strand has raised and continues to raise funds on his website based on false statements and misrepresentations regarding the events of January 6,” prosecutors said in the filing. claim.
A lawyer for Strand did not immediately respond to an insider’s request for comment.
Strand isn’t the only Jan. 6 defendant to try to profit from his role in the Capitol riot. Associated Press review A search of court records found that prosecutors had asked judges to impose hefty fines on several defendants who raised money online.
Nathaniel Degrave, who was convicted last year of obstructing public proceedings and assaulting, resisting and obstructing certain police officers, raised $120,000 to cover legal costs. Prosecutors allege in court filings.
But that was $25,000 more than he paid his lawyer, his lawyer told The Associated Press. He raised money through Christian crowdfunding platform GiveSendGo and called himself a “Beijing Biden political prisoner” on “America’s Gitmo,” according to court filings reviewed by the Associated Press.
A judge ordered him to serve at least three years in prison and pay a fine of $25,000, according to the Associated Press.
Marcus Murray, a Virginia man who was convicted of assaulting a police officer in the Jan. 6 riots, is also in trouble for: Collect $16,000 or more with GiveSendGo, According to court filings.
A fundraising page for Marie said the money would be donated to a “family”, but prosecutors say Marie has a public defender and is looking to profit from the crime. claims.
Lawyers for Marcus and Degrave did not immediately respond to an insider’s request for comment.