In one of the first conspiracy cases filed by U.S. federal prosecutors in connection with the break-in at the U.S. Capitol earlier this month, three intruders are charged with being associated with a paramilitary group known as the Oath Keepers.
In a criminal complaint (PDF) filed on Jan. 19, prosecutors allege that Thomas Edward Caldwell, 65, of Clark County, Virginia, played a leadership role in the Oath Keepers and conspired with others to “forcibly storm” the Capitol on Jan. 6.
The indictment alleges that Donovan Crowl, 50, of Ohio, and Jessica Watkins, 38, of Ohio, were also members of the paramilitary group and were co-conspirators in the scheme.
FBI Special Agent Michael Palian said in an affidavit that the three individuals and other members communicated with each other and planned the invasion. Palian said he reviewed video footage of the Jan. 6 incident and observed eight to 10 men in military gear attempting to enter the Capitol.
The men, wearing helmets, reinforced vests and full gear with the Oath Keepers logo, acted in an “organized and trained manner” to force their way into the crowd gathered in front of the U.S. Capitol, Parian said.
During the breakthrough, Watkins was responsible for maintaining communication with other members of the team and providing updates on the breakthrough.
In a recording obtained by the FBI, Watkins allegedly said, “We had a good team. There were about 30 to 40 of us. We stick together and stick to the plan.”
In the same recording, Watkins said, “We’re in the mezzanine (floor), we’re in the main dome now, and we’re shaking it up. They’re throwing grenades, they’re shooting at the crowd with paintballs. But we’ve gotten in here.”
Authorities used a combination of video, photos, media reports and social media posts to identify the three men. Watkins and Crowell were interviewed by the media after the break-in, in which they confirmed their affiliation with the Oath Keepers.
Each member of the group is charged with conspiracy, conspiracy to obstruct or injure an officer without lawful authority, destruction of government property, obstruction of official proceedings, entering a controlled building or premises with violence, and disorderly conduct in the Capitol.
If convicted, each faces a maximum penalty of six years in prison and a fine.
The criminal indictment filed on the 19th amends the charges filed against Caldwell, Crowell and Watkins. Crowell and Watkins were arrested in Ohio on Jan. 18, while Caldwell was arrested in Virginia on Jan. 19, according to the Justice Department’s website.
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