An Indiana woman who arrived in Washington with her hairdresser friend was held Wednesday in the first sentencing of Jan. 6 at the U.S. Capitol, the first case of about 500 people arrested.
Indiana woman is first woman sentenced for Capitol riots
With the number of people detained approaching 500, this was the first of what government officials said was likely a similar proceeding for the hundreds of humans, who also face low charges.
Anna Morgan-Lloyd was released on bail on a single charge of illegally demonstrating at the Capitol building.
In exchange, the government vacated three other charges, all of which were paid.
She was sentenced in federal court in Washington, DC, to three years probation and ordered to perform 40 hours of community service and pay $500 in reimbursement.
“I just want to apologize to the court, the American people and my family,” she said in brief remarks to Judge Royce Lamberth.
“Her friend, Dona Sue Bissey, also faces misdemeanor charges of trespassing in a restricted-access building and disorderly conduct stemming from the disturbance, but she did not plead guilty.”
Morgan-Lloyd admitted in court to driving to Washington to attend the “Save America” rally near the White House.
“It was the most exciting day of my life.” She wrote in one of her Facebook posts days before the riots.
Her lawyer said she “does not intend or expect to break the law again” and in a written explanation said she was “embarrassed that something intended to show support for the president turned violent.”
The charge of unlawful demonstration on Capitol Hill carries a maximum penalty of six months in prison.
But prosecutors said she cooperated with investigators, admitted responsibility, expressed remorse and has no criminal record.
