Thread by @julie_kelly2

Sentencing up now for Brandon and Stephanie Miller, an Ohio couple pleading guilty to "parading" in the Capitol on January 6. They were in the building for about ten minutes. Judge Chutkan presiding:

justice.gov/usao-dc/case-m…

DOJ wants 2 months home detention, 36 months probation, 60 hours community service, $500
restitution, $10 special assessment for Stephanie Miller and 3 months home detention, 36 months probation, 60 hours community service, $500 restitution and $10 assessment for Brandon.

Class B misdemeanor with max 6 months in jail and $5k fine. Chutkan, an Obama appointee, has defied DOJ sentencing recommendations a few times and imposed jail time instead of home detention for J6 "paraders."

Brandon's lawyer explains his own grandmother, aunt, and cousin who won't speak with him for being charged for J6 protest. Explaining his hard life, job loss since Januaryu 6. Waste of time--this lawyer must think Chutkan possesses any sense of mercy.

Says incarceration would cause Brandon to lose his job. Chutkan asks if that's speculation--lawyer says yes but will probably happen given his experience with other indigent clients.

Says community service will show Brandon how to really contribute rather than attend a "rally."

Lawyer asks for no fine or restitution bc the Millers are poor. Brandon Miller declines to speak to court.

Lawyer for Stephanie Miller now speaking. (Both are court appointed.) Stephanie took "complete responsibility" for going through a broken window to get into building.

Once again, FBI arrested the Millers on misdemeanors at their home. Employer forced her to quit, made many attempts to find new job. Only found part-time job. "Doing everything she can," to get by. Medical issues since arrest from "shame, embarrassment."

I often think of the rioters who tried to burn down Washington DC in the summer of 2020, who attacked federal officers on government property, who assaulted Trump supporters and Republican lawmakers in public but face nothing like at all. Infuriating.

Chutkan: "I consider every case and defendant on its merits. I want to make this very clear. I struggle with these decisions. People are complicated.

"They did a terrible thing. I see before me all the time people who are loved by their families but committed a crime."

Sentence is a reflection of "what they did on January 6. It cannot be said enough times, this was not sightseeing protest gone awry This was a call to arms because their party lost the election. They drove to Washington, made arrangements for their child to come here to Stop...

the Steal. They saw the violence. Having watched that they decided to enter the Capitol. THEY CLIMBED THROUGH A BROKEN WINDOW," Chutkan says with outrage. "They were part of a mob, a mob that was violent, to stop lawful transfer of power. They did not accept a lawfully..."

held election." Chutkan says this was an attempt to overthrow the government but that's "not hyperbole."

Lies that cops died because of January 6. "What they endured was caused by their fellow citizens. Everybody who walked in the Capitol contributed to what happened inside."

Chutkan says the country was in "horror" at how "close we came to losing the reins of our democracy."

OMFG.

Says the Millers bragged about what they did. (Again, 10 minutes inside, no violence, no weapons, no attacks on cops.)

In every hearing, Chutkan is auditioning for a promotion on the bench by Biden.

"Every single one I hear what defendants have suffered. I don't celebrate it. These are consequences...of trying to overthrow the government."

No remorse for federal employees, American public

"Mr. Miller came to help a political faction, he did not come to help the country. Neither did Mrs. Miller. They took videos...bragging about their participation."

Chutkan reading texts Brandon he sent to friends including references to "civil war" and said he was glad he went.

Chutkan now reading Stephanie's messages. "We will proudly take charges if so."

Chutkan says the Millers were "their participation in a violent riot."

"We almost never get misdemeanors in this court."

"I've thought long and hard...one factor is need for deterrence."

"I have said before...there has to be consequences for participating in a violent overthrow of the government. It was part of a process that allowed the violent mob...to stop the electoral process. They showed no remorse."

"Continue to be reports this could happen again."

"Sentences must make it clear...anyone who does this again...will face serious consequences."

Has to include deprivation of liberty.

Chutkan sentences Brandon Miller to 20 days in jail, $500 restitution, and 60 hours community service.

Chutkan: 14 days in jail, $500 restitution, 60 hours community service. LOL waives additional fine bc they are indigent.

Orders jail time to be served sequentially so one parent is home with 13-year-old child.

This is I believe 5th and 6th time Chutkan has ordered jail time...

for parading plea, exceeding DOJ sentencing recommendations.

Tells Millers to self-surrender after the holidays.

Defense lawyer says she unfamiliar with sentence of both jail time and community service. Asks if court can do it. Judge says she believes so.

Chutkan: "This is not the worst thing you've ever done. Your children are watching you. We all make mistakes, we all make bad decisions. It's how we conduct ourselves after we make mistakes. I wish you good luck."