In a recent development, a federal judge who presided over the trial and sentencing of Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes, convicted of seditious conspiracy for plotting to disrupt the certification of President Joe Biden’s victory, expressed apprehension regarding the possibility of a pardon from former President Donald Trump.
During the sentencing of one of Rhodes’ former associates, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta voiced his unease, stating, “The idea that Stewart Rhodes could be pardoned is alarming and should raise concerns for anyone who values democracy in our nation.”
Last year, Mehta handed Rhodes an 18-year prison sentence, labeling him as “a continuing threat to the country, the republic, and the fundamental principles of our democracy.” Mehta reiterated his stance on Rhodes, highlighting the persistent danger he poses.
These remarks were made as Mehta imposed a sentence of one year of home detention and three years of supervised release on former North Carolina Oath Keeper William Todd Wilson. Despite Wilson’s admission of involvement in Rhodes’ seditious plot, his cooperation with authorities and disclosure of Rhodes’ attempts to communicate with the Trump administration on January 6, 2021, were taken into account.
Mehta is set to deliver sentences to Rhodes’ co-conspirators who have been convicted, including those who assisted the government post-conviction. Rhodes’ 18-year sentence ranks among the harshest penalties linked to the January 6 Capitol insurrection. Another significant sentence was handed to former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio, who received a 22-year term last year.
