Thread by @MacFarlaneNews

Sentencing begins in minutes in Jan 6 case of Eric Torrens. It's a low-level case.

But there were fireworks yesterday, when a co-defendant was sentenced. Judge accused feds of "tying the hands" of judges w/ misdemeanor plea deals from the US Capitol riot. Stay tuned

Torrens is speaking in court.. "I shouldn't have done that"... "I take responsbility for actions that day.. I apologize for what I did .. I know I will pay for it today"

Defense seeks 1-2 years probation

Same judge just gave probation sentence to prior two defendants

Standby

Judge: The entire legislative branch, including two Vice Presidents, were endangered

Judge: Torrens "took advantage of the opportunity presented by the mob"

Judge says the "shocked nation and the world" were also harmed by Jan 6 riot

!! Judge says Congress could pass a law to require mandatory jail time for crimes like Jan 6

Then.. says.. but no such law exists right now

Judge describes mitigating factors in Eric Torrens case (and other misdemeanor Jan 6 cases)

No assault, no damage, no dangerous weapons, no gear for confrontations, he cooperated w/ feds after arres

Judge: Torrens has custody of daughter, seeks treatment for addiction and is employed

This echoes the ramp-up same judge has made before issuing probation sentences in other Jan 6 cases.

standby

And there it is... Judge Beryl Howell sentences Eric Torrens to 3 years probation

DC federal court's chief judge has sentenced three misdemeanor Jan 6 defendants to probation this week.. after blistering the feds for "tying hands" of judges w/ petty offense plea deals