Sullivan's lawyer argued authorities had no right to seize the money. Federal agents seize $US62,000 from video profitsįederal authorities seized more than $US62,000 from a bank account belonging to riot defendant John Earle Sullivan, a Utah man who earned more than $90,000 from selling his video footage to at least six companies. Prosecutors said Grace's "audacity" to sell "Back the Blue" paraphernalia was "especially disturbing" because he watched other rioters confront police officers.Ī defence lawyer, however, said Grace did not break any laws or earn any profits by helping his father sell the merchandise. Jeremy Grace, who was sentenced to three weeks in jail for entering the Capitol, tried to profit by helping his dad sell T-shirts, baseball caps, water bottles and decals with phrases like "Back the Blue", prosecutors said. Rioters have found other ways to promote themselves. Some defenders have tried to use the insurrection to promote their business. The fundraising appeal by Simone Gold's group, America's Frontline Doctors, raised more than $US430,000. Some have turned to crowdfunding to cover their defence.Īn anti-vaccine medical doctor who pleaded guilty to illegally entering the Capitol founded a non-profit for her legal expenses. Strangers have sent them hate mail and online threats.Īnd they have racked up huge legal bills to defend themselves against federal charges which range from misdemeanours to serious felonies. Rioter's fundraising 'unseemly'Īt sentencing, rioters often ask for leniency claiming they have already experienced severe consequences for their crimes.įriends and family shunned them or even reported them to the FBI.
Prosecutors are seeking tougher punishments for those who have profited from their crimes.Īnd in some cases, the US Justice Department is trying to claw that money back.
Faced with jail time and hefty legal bills, some defendants have used their participation in the Januinsurrection to drum up cash or boost their business.Ī Nevada man jailed on riot charges asked his mother to shop a book he was writing about "the Capitol incident" to publishers.Īnother rioter, from Washington state, helped his father hawk merchandise bearing slogans including "Our House", with images of the Capitol building.Ī Virginia man released a rap album with riot-themed songs and a photo of him sitting on a police car on the cover.īut this can cause problems when they face trial.
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