Enhanced Prosecution Urged: Demanding Longer Sentences for Prominent Proud Boys Leaders

The Justice Department is appealing the prison sentences for four leaders of the Proud Boys and one member convicted in the US Capitol attack. Prosecutors are challenging the punishments handed down by US District Judge Timothy Kelly, which were significantly shorter than what they had recommended. Former Proud Boys national leader Enrique Tarrio and three lieutenants were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 15 to 22 years after being convicted of seditious conspiracy. Tarrio received the longest sentence, but prosecutors had sought 33 years for him.

Attorney Nayib Hassan, representing the defense team, stated that they will review prosecutors’ reasoning for appealing the sentences. However, they are also preparing their own appeal and are confident they will “prevail on multiple grounds.” Prosecutors had recommended sentences of 33 years for Joseph Biggs, 30 years for Zachary Rehl, and 27 years for Ethan Nordean, all former Proud Boys leaders. However, Kelly sentenced Nordean to 18 years, Biggs to 17 years, and Rehl to 15 years. Defense attorneys for Biggs and Rehl criticized the government’s appeals as “ridiculous,” while Nordean’s attorney expressed his client’s encouragement by the government’s acknowledgment of errors in his case.

Prosecutors are also appealing the 10-year sentence for Proud Boys member Dominic Pezzola. Although Pezzola was acquitted of seditious conspiracy, he was convicted of other serious charges. The Justice Department is already appealing the 18-year prison sentence for Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes, as well as the sentences of other members of his anti-government militia group. William Chrestman, another Proud Boys member involved in the attack, pleaded guilty to obstructing the Jan. 6 joint session of Congress on Monday. (Read more Justice Department stories.)