American Olympic gold medal swimmer, Klete Keller, has been sentenced to 36 months of probation and six months of home detention for his involvement in the storming of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 360 hours of community service.
Dressed in a “Team USA” jacket, Keller pleaded guilty to obstructing an official proceeding as part of the January 6 riots, resulting in the federal prosecutors seeking 10 months in prison for him, despite his cooperation with the investigation.
In a surprising turn of events, Keller was indicted on seven criminal counts in February 2021, but the remaining charges were dropped in exchange for his cooperation with the ongoing investigation. Prosecutors revealed that Keller remained in the Capitol for almost an hour, resisting the attempts of riot officers to remove him, before finally exiting when “chemical irritants and force” were utilized.
During his sentencing hearing, Keller expressed remorse, acknowledging his criminal actions and taking full responsibility for his conduct. He also provided substantial assistance to the government by describing the events that transpired on January 6 and the individuals involved.
In a letter addressed to the sentencing judge, U.S. District Judge Richard Leon, Keller expressed his deep regret and apologized for setting a negative example for the youth due to his actions. As of November 6, more than 1,200 defendants have been charged in connection with the Capitol attack, according to the Department of Justice.
Keller, a USC graduate, represented the U.S. Olympic swimming team in 2000, 2004, and 2008, achieving a total of five medals, including two golds in relay races.
(Photo: Vladimir Rys / Bongarts / Getty Images)
