United States Attorney Tara K. McGrath | U.S. Department of Justice
Prosecutors and an intelligence analyst from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in San Diego have been actively involved in over 60 cases, including nine trials, as part of the Department of Justice's initiative to prosecute individuals responsible for the January 6, 2021, Capitol breach. The DOJ has charged more than 1,500 individuals related to the incident.
The cases are being prosecuted through a collaboration between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the DOJ National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. San Diego prosecutors volunteered to assist with full support from their office.
“We are extremely proud of our contribution to this extraordinary investigative and prosecutorial undertaking,” stated U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. She emphasized that these efforts are crucial for upholding the rule of law.
Examples of notable trials include:
- Michael Bradley was convicted on August 28, 2024, for offenses such as civil disorder and assaulting officers during the Capitol breach. He received a sentence of 60 months.
- Michael Sparks was found guilty on March 1, 2024, and sentenced to 53 months for his role in entering and disrupting proceedings at the Capitol.
- Ronald Colton McAbee was convicted on October 22, 2023, for multiple charges including assaulting officers. He was sentenced to 70 months.
- Ryan Samsel and four others were convicted on February 2, 2024, for various felonies involving assaulting police officers.
- Douglas Jensen was sentenced to five years after being convicted on September 23, 2022.
- Zachary Alam received an eight-year sentence after his conviction on September 12, 2023.
- Jonathan Copeland was sentenced to nearly six years following his conviction on May 8, 2024.
- Joshua Black was sentenced to nearly two years after being found guilty on January 13, 2023.
These prosecutions highlight ongoing efforts by federal authorities to address criminal actions associated with January's events at the Capitol.
