Swimmer Sentenced for Capitol Attack
Washington — A U.S. Olympic gold medalist in swimming who admitted to being a part of the mob that attacked the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and obstructing Congress' work in certifying the results of the 2020 presidential election that day was sentenced Friday to three years probation and six months of home detention.
Klete Keller pleaded guilty in 2021 to the felony crime of obstruction of an official proceeding after he was recognized inside the Capitol Rotunda during the riot because of a U.S.A. athletic jacket he wrote. He admitted to later trying to delete evidence on his phone and throwing away the jacket, according to court records.
The Justice Department says he has since cooperated with investigators and helped in various cases, assistance that they said should be credited at sentencing.
"If there was one case that screamed out for probation, this is it," Judge Richard Leon said Friday as he opted not to impose any prison time. The judge called the case very unusual and distinct from the other Jan. 6 cases he has presided over, noting Keller's remorse and desire to serve.
Klete Derik Keller Faces Sentencing for Actions at Capitol
Former Olympian Klete Derik Keller, who once proudly represented the United States, is now facing sentencing after his involvement in the events that took place at the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Prosecutors are urging the judge to sentence Keller to 10 months in prison, highlighting the fact that he threw the American flag in a trash can on that day.
In their pre-sentencing filings, prosecutors emphasized that Keller chose to stay at the Capitol despite police demands to leave, stating that it was because his preferred candidate lost the election. They argue that his actions put the officers, Members of Congress, their staff, and everyone else inside the building in danger.
Keller, a decorated swimmer who competed in three consecutive Summer Olympics beginning in 2000, was part of the teams that won gold in the 4 x 200 meter freestyle relay in Athens in 2004 and again in Beijing in 2008. He also earned two bronze medals in individual events and one silver in another relay.
Despite his athletic achievements, Keller and his defense team are requesting leniency. They claim that he now recognizes the gravity of his involvement in the attack and has a wife and children to care for.
According to court filings, Keller's actions inside the Capitol building were limited to taking pictures and videos in the Rotunda, observing protesters near the Ohio Clock Room, and engaging with police officers. He yelled derogatory remarks about Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer and brushed aside a police officer's hand that was attempting to direct the crowd out of the Rotunda.
Keller Sentenced for Actions at Capitol Riot
Former Olympic swimmer, Klete Keller, was sentenced today for his involvement in the January 6th Capitol riot. Keller, who won multiple gold medals in swimming, pleaded guilty to charges of obstructing Congress and disorderly conduct.
In a letter to the judge, Keller expressed deep regret for his actions and acknowledged breaking important laws that protect public servants. He hoped that his case would serve as a warning to others who rationalize illegal conduct, especially in moments of political fervor.
Prosecutors highlighted Keller's cooperation with the federal investigation into the attack, stating that it undoubtedly influenced others who were considering turning themselves in, pleading guilty, or cooperating. They acknowledged the seriousness of Keller's conduct on January 6th but also emphasized his cooperation after the event.
The judge considered both Keller's actions during the riot and his subsequent cooperation when determining the appropriate punishment. While Keller's conduct warranted serious punishment, his cooperation was also taken into account.
