Thread by @JordanOnRecord

The sentencing hearing for James Bonet is underway. The DOJ says Bonet has continued to downplay or even celebrate the #CapitolRiot. Says a probation-only sentence should be reserved for truly exceptional circumstances, and Bonet's case doesn't merit it.

https://twitter.com/JordanOnRecord/status/1501577148607471617

AUSA says James Bonet saw militia members "dressed for battle" and he followed them to the U.S. Capitol Building. Repeatedly ignored red flags.

DOJ says James Bonet smoking a joint in Sen. Merkley's office, and posting a picture of it, was "more than callousness. It was a show of power. It was saying, we've taken control. We can come into the Capitol and do whatever we want."

"What would you say, counsel, to the idea that the plea extended to Mr. Bonet was just another form of sweetheart deal?" Judge Sullivan asks.

DOJ points out Bonet was at one pointed indicted on the felony obstruction charge... which seems to support Sullivan's question.

DOJ says they're not asking Judge Sullivan to penalize James Bonet for his interview in January in which he downplayed the riot and insulted the officers who defended the Capitol.

Bonet's attorney, Lisa Peebles, is putting her client's actions on former President Donald Trump. She says Bonet went to D.C. to hear him speak, and what he heard was, "We have to fight like hell."

After 5 minutes of Peebles reading Trump's words, Judge Sullivan breaks in: "Are you defending Trump or are you defending Bonet? What are you doing here?"

Peebles says Trump's words were un-American.

"And what your client did was un-American as well, counsel!" Sullivan says.

Peebles says it doesn't sound good, but January 6 helped James Bonet. He's quit smoking pot. He's taken up martial arts. He's trying to get an education.

This isn't Peebles' greatest allocution. Doesn't help her job that James Bonet gave an interview two months ago basically reinforcing everything he'd done on January 6.

"His defense is saying I marched on the Capitol because my former president made me do this? Is that what you're saying?" Judge Sullivan asks.

Peebles says no, James Bonet would never blame Trump.

"Then why are you arguing that on his behalf?" Sullivan asks.

Peebles says, essentially, my client doesn't know anything about elections or how the country is run. So why wouldn't he believe the president when he said the election was stolen? He doesn't know any better.

Sullivan does not seem impressed.

Peebles wants Judge Sullivan to see James Bonet as a childlike defendant. Talks about how he didn't know any better, how he's improving his life now... just said he has a 4.0 on his midterm grades. But, Bonet is a 30-year-old man.

Judge Sullivan points out that as recently as two months ago, Bonet was telling journalists the Capitol riot was peaceful and that cops let him in.

Peebles says James Bonet has gone through a "transformation."

"When did that transformation happen?" Judge Sullivan asks. "After the interview [two months ago]?"

Peebles is complaining now that the news outlet (ABC-affiliate WTEN) that interviewed James Bonet didn't reach out to her first. She acts like that's scandalous.

Journalists, of course, are under no obligation to reach out to anyone through counsel.

James Bonet, speaking now, says he didn't set a good example for his nieces and nephews on Jan. 6. He calls the interview in January a "mistake."

"I don't think cops are pieces of s*** or anything," he says. Says he gets along with the cops who do jiujitsu with him.

Judge Sullivan says it's clear from James Bonet's interview that he hasn't accepted responsibility. He's not going to take away the two-level sentencing reduction for accepting responsibility, but he's giving him jail time. Says probation would "send the wrong message."

🚨 SENTENCE: U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan sentences James Bonet to 90 days in jail — twice the 45 days the DOJ asked for — and one year of supervision. He'll also have to serve 200 hours of community service. #CapitolRiot

Judge Sullivan is going to allow James Bonet to wait to self-surrender until June 1 so he can complete this semester of school.

"At 30 years of age, it's time to wake up and smell the roses!" Sullivan tells him.

Worth giving credit where credit is due: The interview that helped James Bonet earn himself 90 days in jail was done by @Anyaon10 with WTEN. news10.com/top-stories/gl…