Up next we have a plea hearing for Troy Smocks, of Texas. The DOJ says Smocks, who came to D.C. on January 6, repeatedly made threats toward Congress on the right-wing social media platform Parler under the name "ColonelTPerez." #CapitolRiot @wusa9 
In addition to the charge he faces from the Capitol riot, Troy Smocks has a lengthy criminal history, including multiple instances of impersonating military and government officials.
Smocks is represented in this case by attorney John Machado. The government will be represented by AUSA Michael Friedman.
Troy Smocks tells Judge Tanya S. Chutkan he completed some college. Has not taken any mind-altering substances. Has not received mental health treatment recently. Judge Chutkan finds he is competent to enter his plea.
Smocks tells the judge he can't see her on his video conferencing screen. Judge Chutkan asks if he wants to keep going with the hearing even though he can only hear her. He says that's fine.
Chutkan is reading the statement of offense. She asks him, essentially, if he did the posts. He says he did the posts.
Troy Smocks is pleading guilty to one count of transmitting threats in interstate commerce, a felony with a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison. Given his criminal history, the DOJ says he faces a recommended sentence of 16 months in prison.
Apologies, that was actually his defense attorney, John Machado.
Smocks will not have to pay the $500 restitution other #CapitolRiot defendants are because he was not part of the breach of the building. He was in D.C. on January 6.
DOJ is asking Smocks to remain detained pending sentencing.
Judge Chutkan has accepted Troy Smocks' plea of guilty to one felony count of transmitting threats in interstate commerce. Sentencing is set for October 18 at 12:30 p.m.
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