Oath Keepers Indictment
Oath Keepers Indictment
and the United States Senate (“the Joint Session”) convened in the United States Capitol (“the
Capitol”) building. The purpose of the Joint Session was to open, count, and resolve any objections
to the Electoral College vote of the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election, and to certify the results of
the Electoral College vote (“Certification of the Electoral College vote”) as set out in the Twelfth
5. The Capitol is secured 24 hours a day by United States Capitol Police (“Capitol
Police”). The Capitol Police maintain permanent and temporary barriers to restrict access to the
Capitol exterior, and only authorized individuals with appropriate identification are allowed inside
6. On January 6, 2021, at approximately 1:00 p.m., the Joint Session convened in the
Capitol building for the Certification of the Electoral College vote. Vice President Michael R.
Pence, in his constitutional duty as President of the Senate, presided over the Joint Session.
7. A large crowd began to gather outside the Capitol perimeter as the Joint Session
got underway. Crowd members eventually forced their way through, up, and over Capitol Police
barricades and advanced to the building’s exterior façade. Capitol Police officers attempted to
maintain order and stop the crowd from entering the Capitol building, to which the doors and
windows were locked or otherwise secured. Nonetheless, shortly after 2:00 p.m., crowd members
forced entry into the Capitol building by breaking windows, ramming open doors, and assaulting
Capitol Police officers. Other crowd members encouraged and otherwise assisted the forced entry.
The crowd was not lawfully authorized to enter or remain inside the Capitol, and no crowd member
submitted to security screenings or weapons checks by Capitol Police or other security officials.
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8. Shortly thereafter, at approximately 2:20 p.m., members of the House and Senate
objection—were evacuated from their respective chambers. The Joint Session was halted while
Capitol Police and other law-enforcement officers worked to restore order and clear the Capitol of
9. Later that night, law enforcement regained control of the Capitol. At approximately
8:00 p.m., the Joint Session reconvened, presided over by Vice President Pence, who had remained
10. In the course of these events, over 100 members of law enforcement were assaulted.
The Capitol suffered millions of dollars in damage—including broken windows and doors, graffiti,
and residue from pepper spray, tear gas, and fire extinguishers deployed both by crowd members
who stormed the Capitol and by Capitol Police officers trying to restore order. Additionally, many
media members were assaulted and had cameras and other news-gathering equipment destroyed.
11. Members and affiliates of an organization known as the Oath Keepers were among
the individuals and groups who forcibly entered the Capitol on January 6, 2021. The Oath Keepers
are a large but loosely organized collection of individuals, some of whom are associated with
militias. Some members of the Oath Keepers believe that the federal government has been coopted
by a cabal of elites actively trying to strip American citizens of their rights. Though the Oath
Keepers will accept anyone as members, they explicitly focus on recruiting current and former
military, law enforcement, and first-responder personnel. The organization’s name alludes to the
oath sworn by members of the military and police to defend the Constitution “from all enemies,
foreign and domestic.” The Oath Keepers are led by PERSON ONE.
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12. On January 4, 2021, PERSON ONE posted an article to the Oath Keepers website
encouraging Oath Keeper members and affiliates to go to Washington, D.C., for the events of
January 5-6, 2021, stating: “It is CRITICAL that all patriots who can be in DC get to DC to stand
tall in support of President Trump’s fight to defeat the enemies foreign and domestic who are
attempting a coup, through the massive vote fraud and related attacks on our Republic. We Oath
Keepers are both honor-bound and eager to be there in strength to do our part.”
13. In his January 4 post, PERSON ONE also observed: “As we have done on all recent
DC Ops, we will also have well armed and equipped QRF 1 teams on standby, outside DC, in the
event of a worst case scenario, where the President calls us up as part of the militia to to assist him
inside DC. We don’t expect a need for him to call on us for that at this time, but we stand ready if
he does (and we also stand ready to answer the call to serve as militia anytime in the future, and
14. PERSON ONE named PERSON TEN to be the leader of his group’s operations in
Conspirators
18. SANDRA PARKER was a 60-year-old resident of Morrow, Ohio, and the wife of
BENNIE PARKER.
1
Based on the investigation, “QRF” appears to refer to “quick reaction force.”
2
The ages and residences listed herein are as of January 6, 2021.
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19. BENNIE PARKER was a 70-year-old resident of Morrow, Ohio, and the husband
of SANDRA PARKER.
20. GRAYDON YOUNG was a 54-year-old resident of Englewood, Florida, and the
21. LAURA STEELE was a 52-year-old resident of Thomasville, North Carolina, and
22. KELLY MEGGS was a 52-year-old resident of Dunnellon, Florida, and the
husband of CONNIE MEGGS. KELLY MEGGS used the moniker “Gator 1” or “OK Gator 1.”
23. CONNIE MEGGS was a 59-year-old resident of Dunnellon, Florida, and the wife
of KELLY MEGGS.
26. JOSHUA JAMES was a 33-year-old resident of Arab, Alabama. JAMES used the
moniker “Hydro.”
27.
29. JASON DOLAN was a 44-year-old resident of Wellington, Florida. DOLAN used
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COUNT ONE
(Conspiracy—18 U.S.C. § 371)
31. The introductory allegations set forth in paragraphs 1 through 30 are re-alleged and
The Conspiracy
32. From at least as early as November 3, 2020, through January 6, 2021, in the District
THOMAS CALDWELL,
DONOVAN CROWL,
JESSICA WATKINS,
SANDRA PARKER,
BENNIE PARKER,
GRAYDON YOUNG,
LAURA STEELE,
KELLY MEGGS,
CONNIE MEGGS,
KENNETH HARRELSON,
ROBERTO MINUTA,
JOSHUA JAMES,
,
JOSEPH HACKETT,
JASON DOLAN, and
WILLIAM ISAACS,
did knowingly combine, conspire, confederate, and agree with each other and others known and
unknown, to commit an offense against the United States, namely, to corruptly obstruct, influence,
and impede an official proceeding, that is, the Certification of the Electoral College vote, in
33. The purpose of the conspiracy was to stop, delay, and hinder the Certification of
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HACKETT, DOLAN, and ISAACS, with others known and unknown, carried out the
conspiracy through the following manner and means, among others, by:
operation”);
c. Using websites, social media, text messaging, and messaging applications to recruit
d. Coordinating in advance with others, including members of the Oath Keepers from
other regions, and joining forces with these individuals and groups to further the
January 6 operation;
camouflaged combat uniforms, tactical vests with plates, helmets, eye protection,
g. Donning clothes with the Oath Keepers insignia for the January 6 operation;
January 6 operation;
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j. Forcibly storming past exterior barricades, Capitol Police, and other law
enforcement officers, and entering the Capitol in executing the January 6 operation;
and
k. Using secure and encrypted communications applications like Signal 3 and Zello 4
Overt Acts
Planning for January 6, 2021
35. At a GoToMeeting 5 held on November 9, 2020, PERSON ONE told those attending
the meeting, “We’re going to defend the president, the duly elected president, and we call on him
to do what needs to be done to save our country. Because if you don’t guys, you’re going to be in
a bloody, bloody civil war, and a bloody – you can call it an insurrection or you can call it a war
or fight.” PERSON ONE called upon his followers to go to Washington, D.C., to let the President
know “that the people are behind him.” PERSON ONE told his followers they needed to be
prepared to fight Antifa, which he characterized as a group of individuals with whom “if the fight
comes, let the fight come. Let Antifa – if they go kinetic on us, then we’ll go kinetic back on them.
I’m willing to sacrifice myself for that. Let the fight start there. That will give President Trump
3
Signal is an encrypted messaging service.
4
Zello is an application that emulates push-to-talk walkie-talkies over cellular telephone
networks. Zello can be used on electronic communication devices, like cellular telephones and
two-way radios.
5
GoToMeeting is an online meeting site that allows users to host conference calls and
video conferences via the Internet in real time.
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what he needs, frankly. If things go kinetic, good. If they throw bombs at us and shoot us, great,
because that brings the president his reason and rationale for dropping the Insurrection Act.”
PERSON ONE continued, “I do want some Oath Keepers to stay on the outside, and to stay fully
armed and prepared to go in armed, if they have to . . . . So our posture’s gonna be that we’re
posted outside of DC, um, awaiting the President’s orders. . . . We hope he will give us the orders.
We want him to declare an insurrection, and to call us up as the militia.” WATKINS, KELLY
MEGGS, HARRELSON, HACKETT, PERSON THREE, PERSON TEN, and others known and
unknown attended this GoToMeeting. After PERSON ONE finished speaking, WATKINS and
KELLY MEGGS asked questions and made comments about what types of weapons were legal in
Officer] of the Ohio State Regular Militia,” sent text messages to recruit a number of individuals
who had expressed interest in joining the Ohio State Regular Militia. In these messages,
WATKINS mentioned, among other things, that the militia had a week-long “Basic Training class
coming up in the beginning of January,” and told one recruit, “I need you fighting fit by
innaugeration.” In describing the program to PERSON TEN, WATKINS said, “It’s a military
style basic, here in Ohio, with a Marine Drill Sergeant running it. An hour north of Columbus
Ohio[.]”
called Zello” and stated, “We all use Zello though for operations.”
38. On November 17, 2020, when a recruit asked WATKINS for her predictions for
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I can’t predict. I don’t underestimate the resolve of the Deep State. Biden may still
yet be our President. If he is, our way of life as we know it is over. Our Republic
would be over. Then it is our duty as Americans to fight, kill and die for our rights.
and:
[I]f Biden get the steal, none of us have a chance in my mind. We already have our
neck in the noose. They just haven’t kicked the chair yet.
39. On November 23, 2020, CALDWELL sent a text message to WATKINS stating:
Hi, CAP! Wanted to tell you it was great to have you here in Virginia. Don’t know
what [PERSON ONE] is cooking up but I am hearing rumblings of another Maga
March 12 December. 6 I don’t know what will happen but like you I am very
worried about the future of our country. Once lawyers get involved all of us normal
people get screwed. I believe we will have to get violent to stop this, especially the
antifa maggots who are sure to come out en masse even if we get the Prez for 4
more years. Stay sharp and we will meet again. You are my kinda person and we
may have to fight next time. I have my own gear, I like to be ON TIME and go
where the enemy is, especially after dark. Keep the faith! Spy.
40. On December 3, 2020, YOUNG emailed the Florida chapter of the Oath Keepers a
41. On December 19, 2020, HACKETT sent an email to YOUNG with a subject line
“test.” The body of the email stated: “I believe we only need to do this when important info is at
hand like locations, identities, Ops planning.” The email had a photo attached; the photo showed
cursive handwriting on a lined notepad that stated: “Secure Comms Test. Good talk tonight guys!
Rally Point in Northern Port Charlotte at Grays if transportation is possible. All proton mails.7
6
An event colloquially referred to as the “Million MAGA March” occurred in Washington,
D.C., on November 14, 2020. A similar event occurred in Washington, D.C., on December 12,
2020.
7
Based on the investigation, “proton mails” appears to refer to the company “ProtonMail,”
which offers encrypted email services.
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May consider an RP 8 that won’t burn anyone. Comms – work in progress. Messages in cursive
42. On December 19, 2020, YOUNG wrote to a Facebook group: “Please check out
Oath Keepers as a means to get more involved. Recruiting is under way. DM me if you want
more info.”
43. On December 22, 2020, YOUNG made plans to fly from Florida to North Carolina
44. On December 22, 2020, KELLY MEGGS wrote a series of messages on Facebook
make it WILD that’s what he’s saying. He called us all to the Capitol and wants us
to make it wild!!! Sir Yes Sir!!! Gentlemen we are heading to DC pack your shit!!”
45. On December 25, 2020, KELLY MEGGS wrote a message on Facebook that said
46. On December 25, 2020, KELLY MEGGS wrote a message on Facebook that said
in relevant part: “We are all staying in DC near the Capitol we are at the Hilton garden inn but I
think it’s full. Dc is no guns. So mace and gas masks, some batons. If you have armor that’s
good.”
47. On December 26, 2020, YOUNG wrote an email to a Florida company that
conducts training on firearms and combat. YOUNG wrote, in part, “I trained with you not long
8
Based on the investigation, “RP” appears to refer to “rally point.”
9
Based on the investigation, “OK” appears to refer to “Oath Keepers.”
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ago. Since then I have joined Oath Keepers. I recommended your training to the team. To that
effect, four of us would like to train with you, specifically in your UTM 10 rifle class.”
48. On December 26 and 27, 2020, WATKINS and BENNIE PARKER exchanged text
messages relating to preparations for the trip to Washington, D.C., on January 6, 2021. BENNIE
PARKER also texted WATKINS, “I may have to see what it takes to join your militia, ours is
about gone.”
49. On December 29, 2020, WATKINS sent text messages to CROWL sharing her
50. On December 29 and 30, 2020, WATKINS and BENNIE PARKER exchanged text
messages in which they discussed Oath Keeper membership and meeting in advance to prepare for
51. On December 30, 2020, CALDWELL wrote in a Facebook post: “THIS IS OUR
CALL TO ACTION, FREINDS! SEE YOU ON THE 6TH IN WASHINGTON, D.C. ALONG
52. On December 30, 2020, WATKINS and CALDWELL exchanged the following
text messages:
WATKINS: Looks like we are greenlight to come to DC on the 6th. The Rally
Point still at your place?
10
Based on the investigation, “UTM” appears to refer to “Ultimate Training Munitions.”
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...
53. On December 31, 2020, CALDWELL replied to a Facebook comment, writing, “It
begins for real Jan 5 and 6 on Washington D.C. when we mobilize in the streets. Let them try to
certify some crud on capitol hill with a million or more patriots in the streets. This kettle is set to
boil…”
54. On December 31, 2020, when invited to a “leadership only” conference call on
Signal for the “DC op,” WATKINS said she would try to make it if her work obligations permitted.
55. At least as early as December 31, 2020, WATKINS, KELLY MEGGS, JAMES,
MINUTA, PERSON ONE, PERSON THREE, PERSON TEN, and others known and unknown
joined an invitation-only encrypted Signal group message titled “DC OP: Jan 6 21” (hereinafter
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56. On December 31, 2020, KELLY MEGGS wrote a series of messages to another
person on Facebook that said, “You guys Gonna carry?” and “Ok we aren’t either, we have a heavy
57. On December 31, 2020, another individual contacted JAMES via Signal and stated:
“i have friends not far from DC with a lot of weapons and ammo if you get un trouble i ca.
Coordinate help.” JAMES responded, “That might be helpful, but we have a shitload of QRF on
58. On December 31, 2020, KELLY MEGGS and JAMES attended a 4-participant
GoToMeeting titled “SE leaders dc 1/6/21 op call.” KELLY MEGGS was the organizer of the
meeting.
GoToMeeting titled “florida dc op planning chat.” HARRELSON was the organizer of the
60. On December 31, 2020, JAMES messaged PERSON NINETEEN and asked, “Do
we have a farm location for weapons?” PERSON NINETEEN responded, “Not that I am aware
of yet. If nothing else, my hotel is in VA and has secured underground parking. About 15-20
minutes outside DC, less if you really don’t care about speed limits… would be great if we had
someone with an enclosed truck type vehicle and had a quick response unit just outside the city.”
asked, “Hey we told to bring guns and maybe stage them in VA?? But you are showing hotels in
DC for Alabama. Are we bring guns or no if so how will that work?” JAMES responded, “Were
working on a Farm location Some are bringing long rifles some sidearms… I’m bringing sidearm.”
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accept that assignment! I swore to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against
all enemies foreign and domestic. I did the former, I have done the latter peacefully but they have
morphed into pure evil even blatantly rigging an election and paying off the political caste. We
“Happy New year, to you Sir!! Guess I’ll be seeing you soon. Will probably call you
tomorrow…mainly because…I like to know wtf plan is. You are the man Commander.”
recommended the following hotel to her which STILL has rooms (unbelieveble).” CALDWELL
then sent a link to the Comfort Inn Ballston, the same hotel that he recommended to others on
January 1. CALDWELL continued, “[PERSON TWO] and I are setting up shop there. [PERSON
THREE] has a room and is bringing someone. He will be the quick reaction force. Its going to be
cold. We need a place to spend the night before minimum. [PERSON ONE] never contacted me
so [PERSON TWO] and I are going our way. I will probably do pre-strike on the 5th though there
are things going on that day. Maybe can do some night hunting. Oathkeeper friends from North
Carolina are taking commercial buses up early in the morning on the 6th and back same night.
[PERSON THREE] will have the goodies in case things go bad and we need to get heavy.”
65. On January 1, 2021, CROWL and WATKINS made plans to travel by car to
66. Beginning on January 1, and continuing into January 2, 2021, CALDWELL and
CROWL exchanged messages about the hotel where they planned to stay in Arlington, Virginia,
and CALDWELL told CROWL: “This is a good location and would allow us to hunt at night if
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we wanted to. I don’t know if [PERSON ONE] has even gotten out his call to arms but its a little
friggin late. This is one we are doing on our own. We will link up with the north carolina crew.”
67. On January 2, 2021, PERSON FIFTEEN messaged JAMES on Signal and asked,
“So, I guess I am taking full gear less weapons? Just reading through all the posts. Would rather
have it and not need it.” JAMES responded, “Yeah full gear... QRF will have weapons Just leave
em home.”
68. On the evening of January 2, 2021, at about 5:43 p.m., KELLY MEGGS posted a
map of Washington, D.C., in the Leadership Signal Chat, along with the message, “1 if by land[,]
North side of Lincoln Memorial[,] 2 if by sea[,] Corner of west basin and Ohio is a water transport
landing !!” KELLY MEGGS continued, “QRF rally points[.] Water of the bridges get closed.”
69. On January 3, 2021, STEELE emailed the Florida chapter of the Oath Keepers a
membership application and wrote, “My brother, Graydon Young told me to submit my application
this route to expedite the process.” Later in the day, STEELE emailed KELLY MEGGS and wrote,
“My brother, Graydon Young told me to send the application to you so I can be verified for the
Events this coming Tuesday and Wednesday.” The following day, STEELE sent an email to an
Oath Keepers address, copying both YOUNG and KELLY MEGGS, attaching her Florida Oath
Keepers membership application and vetting form, and writing, “I was just requested to send my
“Running a bit behind. I’ll txt when I’m back at the bar. Getting supplies for DC.”
71. On January 3, 2021, WATKINS and BENNIE PARKER discussed the uniforms,
gear, and weapons they would wear and bring on January 6, 2021:
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members of Oathkeepers.
BENNIE PARKER to WATKINS: Good to know.
HARRELSON, HACKETT, DOLAN, ISAACS, and others known and unknown joined an
invitation-only encrypted Signal group message titled “OK FL DC OP Jan 6” (hereinafter the
Signal Chat, and wrote that HARRELSON would serve as the “Ground Team lead in Florida.”
75. On January 4, 2021, CALDWELL emailed PERSON THREE several maps along
with the message, “These maps walk you from the hotel into D.C. and east toward the target area
on multiple roads running west to east including M street and P street, two of my favorites . . . .”
76.
11
Based on the investigation, “B.D.U.” appears to be a military reference to the Battle
Dress Uniform, which is a camouflaged combat uniform.
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77.
78. On January 4, 2021, KELLY MEGGS wrote in the Florida Signal Chat, “Rally 3
pm if possible and need location DM but only those who will caravan.”
vehicle rented by DOLAN and traveled to the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.
80. On January 4, 2021, YOUNG took a flight from Sarasota, Florida, to Greensboro,
North Carolina.
PARKER departed Ohio together and traveled to Northern Virginia, where they spent the night.
82. On January 4, 2021, PERSON TEN checked into the Hilton Garden Inn in Vienna,
Virginia. The room was reserved and paid for using a credit card in PERSON ONE’s name.
83. On January 4, 2021, WATKINS wrote in the Florida Signal Chat, “Where can we
drop off weapons to the QRF team? I’d like to have the weapons secured prior to the Op
tomorrow.”
84. On the morning of January 5, 2021, HARRELSON asked in the Florida Signal Chat
for the location of the “QRF hotel,” and KELLY MEGGS responded by asking for a direct
message.
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85. On January 5, 2021, PERSON ONE and MINUTA separately traveled to the
Washington, D.C., metropolitan area and checked into the Hilton Garden Inn in Vienna, Virginia.
86. On January 5, 2021, YOUNG and STEELE departed North Carolina with others
known and unknown and traveled to the Washington D.C., metropolitan area and checked into the
87. CALDWELL paid for a room for two people at the Comfort Inn Ballston from
88. WATKINS paid for a room for two people at the Comfort Inn Ballston—the hotel
recommended by CALDWELL—from January 5-7, 2021, and reserved it under the name “Jessica
Wagkins.”
89. SANDRA PARKER paid for a room for two people at the Comfort Inn Ballston
90. KELLY MEGGS paid for two rooms, each for two people, at the Comfort Inn
Ballston from January 5-6, 2021. The rooms were reserved under the name of PERSON THREE.
91. KELLY MEGGS also booked two rooms at the Hilton Garden Inn in Washington,
D.C., from January 5-7, 2021. KELLY MEGGS paid for both of the rooms, using two different
credit cards.
92. YOUNG paid for a room for two people at the Holiday Inn in Springfield, Virginia,
93. HACKETT paid for a room at the Hilton Garden Inn in Washington, D.C., from
January 5-7, 2021. The room was booked in the name of PERSON SIXTEEN.
94. DOLAN booked and paid for a room at the Hilton Garden Inn in Washington, D.C.,
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95. MINUTA, using his personal email address and his personal home address,
reserved three rooms at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C., under the names of MINUTA,
JAMES, and PERSON TWENTY. A debit card associated with PERSON FIFTEEN was used to
pay for the room reserved under MINUTA’s name. A credit card associated with JAMES was
96.
97. On the morning of January 6, 2021, YOUNG and STEELE traveled together from
SANDRA PARKER, and BENNIE PARKER, traveled from Arlington, Virginia, to Washington,
D.C.
99.
100. At 11:21 a.m., PERSON ONE placed a phone call to KELLY MEGGS, which
lasted 51 seconds.
PARKER, YOUNG, STEELE, KELLY MEGGS, CONNIE MEGGS, and HACKETT prepared
themselves for battle before heading to the Capitol by equipping themselves with communication
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110. At 2:00 p.m., JAMES placed a phone call to PERSON TEN, which lasted
111. At 2:00 p.m., WATKINS stated on the “Stop the Steal J6” Zello channel, “Y’all,
we’re one block away from the Capitol right now. I’m probably gonna go silent when we get
112. At 2:01 p.m., PERSON TEN placed a phone call to PERSON ONE, which lasted
113. At 2:03 p.m., PERSON TEN placed a phone call to JAMES, which lasted
approximately 39 seconds. About 1 minute later, JAMES placed a phone call to PERSON TEN,
114. At 2:03 p.m., the administrator of the “Stop the Steal J6” Zello channel directed the
group, “You are executing citizen’s arrest. Arrest this assembly, we have probable cause for acts
115. At 2:06 p.m., PERSON ONE sent another message to the Leadership Signal Chat
asking for PERSON TEN’s location before stating, “I’m trying to get to you.”
116. At 2:06 p.m., CALDWELL sent WATKINS a text message stating: “Where are
you? Pence has punked out. We are screwed. Teargassing peaceful protesters at capital steps.
Getting rowdy here... I am here at the dry fountain to the left of the Capitol[.]”
117. At 2:07 p.m., JAMES placed a phone call to PERSON TEN, which lasted
118. At 2:13 p.m., PERSON TEN placed a phone call to JAMES, which lasted
approximately 43 seconds.
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119. At 2:14 p.m., PERSON TEN wrote to the Leadership Signal Chat, “The have taken
ground at the capital[.] We need to regroup any members who are not on mission.”
120. At 2:15 p.m., PERSON ONE placed a phone call to KELLY MEGGS, which lasted
approximately 15 seconds.
121. At 2:16 p.m., PERSON TEN placed a phone call to JAMES, which lasted
approximately 42 seconds.
122. At 2:21 p.m., HARRELSON and DOLAN joined the crowd on the central east steps
of the Capitol.
123. At 2:24 p.m., KELLY MEGGS placed a phone call to PERSON ONE, which lasted
approximately 2 seconds.
124. At 2:25 p.m., PERSON ONE forwarded PERSON TEN’s message (“The have
taken ground at the capital[.] We need to regroup any members who are not on mission.”) to the
Leadership Signal Chat and instructed: “Come to South Side of Capitol on steps” and then sent a
YOUNG, STEELE, KELLY MEGGS, CONNIE MEGGS, HACKETT, and ISAACS unlawfully
126. At 2:31 p.m., PERSON TEN placed a phone call to PERSON ONE, which lasted
127. At 2:32 p.m., KELLY MEGGS placed a phone call to PERSON ONE, which lasted
128.
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129.
130. At 2:33 p.m., JAMES placed a phone call to PERSON TEN, which lasted
approximately 49 seconds.
131.
KELLY MEGGS, CONNIE MEGGS, HACKETT, and ISAACS joined together with others
known and unknown to form a column or stack of individuals wearing Oath Keepers clothing,
patches, insignia, and battle gear (the “Stack”). Together, the Stack maneuvered in an organized
fashion up the steps on the east side of the Capitol—each member keeping at least one hand on the
133. Towards the top of the steps, HARRELSON and DOLAN joined with the Stack.
134. At the top of the steps, the Stack joined and then pushed forward alongside a mob
that aggressively advanced towards the Columbus Doors at the central east entrance to the Capitol,
assaulted the officers guarding the doors, threw objects and sprayed chemicals towards the officers
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135. At 2:39 p.m., ISAACS joined the crowd in forcibly pushing against one of the
Columbus Doors and the law enforcement officers guarding that door. Shortly thereafter, the
Capitol doors were breached by the mob, and ISAACS entered the building.
136. Shortly after the mob breached the doors, CROWL, WATKINS, SANDRA
HACKETT, DOLAN, and the others in the Stack forcibly entered the Capitol.
137. As they entered the Capitol, CROWL, WATKINS, SANDRA PARKER, YOUNG,
STEELE, KELLY MEGGS, CONNIE MEGGS, HARRELSON, HACKETT, DOLAN, and the
others in the Stack joined the larger mob in pushing past at least one law enforcement officer who
138. After they penetrated the Capitol building, CROWL, WATKINS, SANDRA
HACKETT, DOLAN, ISAACS, and the others in the Stack collectively moved into an area inside
139. As they navigated through the Capitol Rotunda, CROWL, WATKINS, SANDRA
HACKETT, DOLAN, ISAACS, and the others in the Stack continued to communicate with one
140. At 2:44 p.m., WATKINS stated on the “Stop the Steal J6” Zello channel, “We are
in the mezzanine. We are in the main dome right now. We are rocking it. They are throwing
grenades, they are fricking shooting people with paint balls. But we are in here.”
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141. An individual who had participated in at least one prior Oath Keeper operation with
WATKINS responded, “Get it, Jess. Do your fucking thing. This is what we fucking
STEELE, and ISAACS exited the Rotunda through the northbound hallway and attempted to enter
143. ISAACS yelled “the fight’s not over” and waved rioters down the hallways towards
the Senate.
144. At 2:45 p.m. and afterward, CROWL, WATKINS, SANDRA PARKER, YOUNG,
and ISAACS joined the mob in pushing against a line of riot police officers guarding the hallway
connecting the Rotunda to the Senate, as WATKINS commanded those around her to “push, push,
push,” and to, “get in there, get in there,” while noting, “they [the officers] can’t hold us.”
and DOLAN walked southbound out of the Rotunda and towards the House of Representatives.
148. Meanwhile, CALDWELL, who was positioned on the west side of the Capitol,
joined with PERSON TWO and others known and unknown in storming past barricades and
149. At 2:48 p.m., CALDWELL sent a message on Facebook, writing, “We are surging
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152. At 2:59 p.m., KELLY MEGGS and CONNIE MEGGS exited the Capitol.
153. At 3:05 p.m., CROWL, WATKINS, SANDRA PARKER, YOUNG, and STEELE
154.
155. While entering the Capitol building, MINUTA and JAMES pushed past Capitol
Police officers who placed their hands on MINUTA and JAMES in an unsuccessful attempt to
156. At 3:17 p.m., when MINUTA and JAMES reached the entrance to the Capitol
Rotunda, they joined with others in the crowd in a confrontation with a line of law enforcement
officers that had formed a barrier between the lobby and the Capitol Rotunda. JAMES yanked and
pushed several of the riot officers out of the way. While engaging in this conduct, JAMES
repeatedly yelled, “Get out of my Capitol!” and “This is my fucking building! This is not yours!
This is my Capitol!”
157. As he stood behind JAMES while recording the events with a camera, MINUTA
yelled, “This is what’s bound to happen, just get out! Get out! Get these cops out! It’s our fucking
158. JAMES briefly breached the Rotunda but was expelled by at least one officer who
aimed chemical spray directly at JAMES, and multiple officers who pushed him out from behind.
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159. At 3:19 p.m., while exiting the Capitol building through the same east side Rotunda
door from which he entered, MINUTA held up two fingers and yelled at a law enforcement officer,
160. At 3:22 p.m., JAMES exited the Capitol through the east side Rotunda door from
which he entered.
161.
162. At 3:40 p.m., JAMES placed a phone call to PERSON TEN, which lasted
163. At 4:04 p.m., MINUTA placed a phone call to PERSON ONE, which lasted
approximately 42 seconds.
164. At 4:05 p.m., PERSON ONE placed a phone call to MINUTA, which lasted
165. Shortly after 4:00 p.m., individuals who breached the Capitol, to include YOUNG,
HACKETT, DOLAN, and ISAACS, among others, gathered together with PERSON ONE and
PERSON TEN approximately 100 feet from the Capitol, near the northeast corner of the building.
COUNT TWO
(18 U.S.C. §§ 1512(c)(2), 2—Obstruction of an Official Proceeding and
Aiding and Abetting)
166. Paragraphs 1 through 30 and paragraphs 35 through 165 of this Indictment are re-
alleged and incorporated as though set forth herein. As set forth in paragraphs 35 through 165, on
or about January 6, 2021, in the District of Columbia and elsewhere, the defendants,
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THOMAS CALDWELL,
DONOVAN CROWL,
JESSICA WATKINS,
SANDRA PARKER,
BENNIE PARKER,
GRAYDON YOUNG,
LAURA STEELE,
KELLY MEGGS,
CONNIE MEGGS,
KENNETH HARRELSON,
ROBERTO MINUTA,
JOSHUA JAMES,
,
JOSEPH HACKETT,
JASON DOLAN, and
WILLIAM ISAACS,
attempted to, and did, corruptly obstruct, influence, and impede an official proceeding, that is, the
Certification of the Electoral College vote, and did aid and abet others known and unknown to do
the same.
COUNT THREE
(18 U.S.C. §§ 1361, 2—Destruction of Government Property and Aiding and Abetting)
167. Paragraphs 1 through 30 and paragraphs 35 through 165 of this Indictment are re-
168. As set forth in paragraphs 134 through 137 and paragraphs 142 through 145, on
DONOVAN CROWL,
JESSICA WATKINS,
SANDRA PARKER,
GRAYDON YOUNG,
LAURA STEELE,
KELLY MEGGS,
CONNIE MEGGS,
KENNETH HARRELSON,
JOSEPH HACKETT,
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attempted to, and did, willfully injure and commit depredation against property of the United
States, that is, the United States Capitol building, thereby causing or attempting to cause damage
that exceeded $1,000, and did aid and abet others known and unknown to do so.
COUNT FOUR
(18 U.S.C. § 1752(a)(1)—Restricted Building or Grounds)
169. Paragraphs 1 through 30 and paragraphs 35 through 165 of this Indictment are re-
170. As set forth in paragraphs 125, 136 to 137, 148 to 149, and 154 to 155, on or about
THOMAS CALDWELL,
DONOVAN CROWL,
JESSICA WATKINS,
SANDRA PARKER,
BENNIE PARKER,
GRAYDON YOUNG,
LAURA STEELE,
KELLY MEGGS,
CONNIE MEGGS,
KENNETH HARRELSON,
ROBERTO MINUTA,
JOSHUA JAMES,
,
JOSEPH HACKETT,
JASON DOLAN, and
WILLIAM ISAACS,
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did knowingly enter and remain in a restricted building and grounds, that is, any posted, cordoned-
off, or otherwise restricted area within the United States Capitol and its grounds, where the Vice
President and Vice President-elect were temporarily visiting, without lawful authority to do so.
COUNT FIVE
(18 U.S.C. §§ 231(a)(3), 2—Civil Disorder and Aiding and Abetting)
171. Paragraphs 1 through 30 and paragraphs 35 through 165 of this Indictment are re-
172. As set forth in paragraph 135, on or about January 6, 2021, within the District of
WILLIAM ISAACS,
committed and attempted to commit an act to obstruct, impede, and interfere with a law
enforcement officer, that is, U.S. Capitol Police Officer M.C., while Officer M.C. was lawfully
engaged in the lawful performance of his official duties incident to and during the commission of
a civil disorder, and the civil disorder obstructed, delayed, and adversely affected the conduct and
COUNT SIX
(18 U.S.C. §§ 231(a)(3), 2—Civil Disorder and Aiding and Abetting)
173. Paragraphs 1 through 30 and paragraphs 35 through 165 of this Indictment are re-
174. As set forth in paragraphs 142 through 145, on or about January 6, 2021, within the
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JESSICA WATKINS,
DONOVAN CROWL,
SANDRA PARKER,
GRAYDON YOUNG, and
WILLIAM ISAACS,
committed and attempted to commit an act to obstruct, impede, and interfere with a law
enforcement officer, that is, law enforcement officers guarding the hallway between the Capitol
Rotunda and Senate chamber, while those officers were lawfully engaged in the lawful
performance of their official duties incident to and during the commission of a civil disorder, and
the civil disorder obstructed, delayed, and adversely affected the conduct and performance of a
COUNT SEVEN
(18 U.S.C. §§ 231(a)(3), 2—Civil Disorder and Aiding and Abetting)
175. Paragraphs 1 through 30 and paragraphs 35 through 165 of this Indictment are re-
176. As set forth in paragraphs 156 and 158, on or about January 6, 2021, within the
JOSHUA JAMES,
committed and attempted to commit an act to obstruct, impede, and interfere with a law
enforcement officer, that is, law enforcement officers in the Capitol Rotunda, while those officers
were lawfully engaged in the lawful performance of their official duties incident to and during the
commission of a civil disorder, and the civil disorder obstructed, delayed, and adversely affected
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COUNT EIGHT
(18 U.S.C. § 111(a)(1)—Assaulting, Resisting, or Impeding Certain Officers)
177. Paragraphs 1 through 30 and paragraphs 35 through 165 of this Indictment are re-
178. As set forth in paragraphs 156 and 158, on or about January 6, 2021, within the
JOSHUA JAMES,
did forcibly assault, resist, oppose, impede, intimidate, and interfere with an officer with the
District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department who was assisting officers and employees
of the United States while such persons were engaged in and on account of the performance of
official duties, and where the acts in violation of this section involved physical contact with the
victim and the intent to commit another felony, namely, Count Two, charging Obstruction of an
Official Proceeding and Aiding and Abetting, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections
1512(c)(2), 2.
COUNT NINE
(18 U.S.C. § 1512(c)(1)—Tampering with Documents or Proceedings)
179. Paragraphs 1 through 30 and paragraphs 35 through 165 of this Indictment are re-
investigation into the attack on the Capitol, and a grand jury of the United States District Court for
CALDWELL sent the video, and subsequently unsent the message containing the video.
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182. Between January 6, 2021, and January 19, 2021, CALDWELL deleted photographs
from his Facebook account that documented his participation in the attack on the Capitol on
January 6, 2021.
183. Between January 6, 2021, and January 19, 2021, in the District of Columbia and
THOMAS CALDWELL,
did corruptly alter, destroy, mutilate, and conceal a record, document, and other object, and
attempted to do so, with the intent to impair its integrity and availability for use in an official
proceeding, that is, the FBI investigation and the grand jury investigation into the attack on the
COUNT TEN
(18 U.S.C. § 1512(c)(1)—Tampering with Documents or Proceedings)
184. Paragraphs 1 through 30, paragraphs 35 through 165, and paragraph 180 of this
186. On January 8, 2021, in the District of Columbia and elsewhere, the defendant,
GRAYDON YOUNG,
did corruptly alter, destroy, mutilate, and conceal a record, document, and other object, and
attempted to do so, with the intent to impair its integrity and availability for use in an official
proceeding, that is, the FBI investigation and the grand jury investigation into the attack on the
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COUNT ELEVEN
(18 U.S.C. § 1512(c)(1)—Tampering with Documents or Proceedings)
187. Paragraphs 1 through 30, paragraphs 35 through 165, and paragraph 180 of this
188. Sometime after January 7, 2021, KELLY MEGGS deleted from his cellular
telephone certain media, files, and communications that showed his involvement in the offenses
alleged herein.
189. On or around January 7, 2021, in the District of Columbia and elsewhere, the
defendant,
KELLY MEGGS,
did corruptly alter, destroy, mutilate, and conceal a record, document, and other object, and
attempted to do so, with the intent to impair its integrity and availability for use in an official
proceeding, that is, the FBI investigation and the grand jury investigation into the attack on the
COUNT TWELVE
(18 U.S.C. § 1512(c)(1)—Tampering with Documents or Proceedings)
190. Paragraphs 1 through 30, paragraphs 35 through 165, and paragraph 180 of this
191. Sometime after January 7, 2021, HARRELSON deleted from his cellular telephone
certain media, files, and communications that showed his involvement in the offenses alleged
herein.
192. On or around January 7, 2021, in the District of Columbia and elsewhere, the
defendant,
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KENNETH HARRELSON,
did corruptly alter, destroy, mutilate, and conceal a record, document, and other object, and
attempted to do so, with the intent to impair its integrity and availability for use in an official
proceeding, that is, the FBI investigation and the grand jury investigation into the attack on the
COUNT THIRTEEN
(18 U.S.C. § 1512(c)(1)—Tampering with Documents or Proceedings)
193. Paragraphs 1 through 30, paragraphs 35 through 165, and paragraph 180 of this
194. Sometime after January 7, 2021, JAMES deleted from his cellular telephone the
195. On January 8, 2021, JAMES instructed PERSON FIFTEEN to “make sure that all
signal comms about the op has been deleted and burned,” and PERSON FIFTEEN confirmed
196. On or around January 7-8, 2021, in the District of Columbia and elsewhere, the
defendant,
JOSHUA JAMES,
did corruptly alter, destroy, mutilate, and conceal a record, document, and other object, and
attempted to do so, with the intent to impair its integrity and availability for use in an official
proceeding, that is, the FBI investigation and the grand jury investigation into the attack on the
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A TRUE BILL
FOREPERSON
CHANNING D. PHILLIPS
ACTING ATTORNEY FOR THE UNITED STATES
IN AND FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
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