Thread by @ZoeTillman

Hello from Judge Dabney Friedrich's virtual courtroom, where Esther Schwemmer is due for sentencing. This is a misdemeanor plea — govt wants home detention + probation, Schwemmer seeking probation (noting a different judge ordered probation alone for her friend Jennifer Parks)

Here's the public dial-in info for Judge Friedrich if you'd like to listen:
Toll Free Number: 877-336-1829
Access Code: 8424583

AUSA says they're seeking home detention because Schwemmer saw the mob forming as she and Jennifer Parks approached the Capitol, saw people climbing scaffolding/wall, encouraged Parks to go in after seeing a door broken open, on video heard encouraging Parks to go to the Rotunda

Friedrich asks AUSA Anita Eve why Schwemmer wasn't incl. in small group where govt sought probation alone, when similar conduct and early indication of intent to plead. Eve says it wasn't one of the early pleas, spent time negotiating

Schwemmer was "quite aware" of the "riotous activity" going on around her, AUSA argues

Schwemmer's lawyer Carmen Hernandez is up, says Schwemmer cooperated right away with the FBI and pleaded guilty before a lot of discovery was produced, argues her client was "swept up" in the events of Jan. 6, heard on video saying she thought it was "peaceful"

Schwemmer came to the Capitol for a "political, patriotic" demonstration that "got out of hand," her lawyer argues, compares her to people who disrupted SCOTUS arguments in the courtroom and got probation, says she didn't advocate for overthrow of govt, didn't commit violence

Schwemmer speaks briefly and can be heard crying, says she's "deeply ashamed" of her actions. She submitted a written statement as well: s3.documentcloud.org/documents/2117…

Friedrich says she believes the remorse is genuine, tells Schwemmer no one is defined by the worst mistake they made

Friedrich moves right into announcing the sentence. She begins by going over what Schwemmer did on Jan. 6, says that going into the Capitol that day was "in no way" an act of patriotism

Friedrich reiterates she believes Schwemmer's remorse is genuine, notes early acceptance of responsibility and cooperation, gives credit for years of volunteer work in her community, esp. through her church. Says she views case much like Jennifer Parks, who got 24 mos probation

Friedrich says she agrees with her colleagues on the DC bench that no one should presume probation is the appropriate sentence for Jan. 6 defendants, but says she thinks Schwemmer's situation is similar to her friend Jennifer Parks and the same sentence is appropriate

Judge Dabney Friedrich sentences Esther Schwemmer to 2 years probation, 60 hours community service, no fine (agreed to $500 restitution in plea deal), says she doesn't agree with the govt that home detention is necessary

Schwemmer's lawyer says Schwemmer and her husband plan to travel in an RV once he retires, and asks that her probation conditions not restrict travel to her home district (Kansas). Govt doesn't object, judge says that's fine, notes she's complied w/ release conditions post-arrest

And that's a wrap on that