The Justice Department (DOJ) appealed the sentences of five members of the Proud Boys, including its former leader over their roles in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.
Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio, Ethan Nordean, Joseph Biggs, and Zachary Rehl were convicted of seditious conspiracy in connection with the attack, while Dominic Pezzola was found guilty of other charges.
Each of the four men convicted of seditious conspiracy received sentences of at least 15 years in prison, and Tarrio’s sentence was 22 years. However, the sentences fell far below what was originally sought by prosecutors which led to Monday’s motion.
Prosecutors initially requested 33 years in prison for Tarrio, whom they painted as the driving force of a plot to stop the peaceful transfer of power from then-President Trump to then-President-elect Biden. (REALTED: Fmr. Proud Boys Chairman Sentenced)
The Hill reports U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly ultimately did apply a terrorism adjustment to Tarrio’s sentencing guidelines, but he would not grant the full sentence sought by federal prosecutors. He did, however, issue a higher sentence than other extremist members, in the hopes it would act as a deterrent.
The notice of appeal does not include any legal arguments, and instead alerts the court to prosecutors’ plans.
Still, the move falls in line with the way the Justice Department handled other seditious conspiracy cases, including sentences handed down for members of the Oath Keepers, with prosecutors likewise appealing sentences for members of the far-right militia group.
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