Local man faces federal judge, charged in connection to Capitol riots

A St. Augustine man, John Anderson, made his first appearance before a federal judge today for his alleged role in the riots at the Capitol on Jan. 6. Anderson appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Monte Richardson.

He was accompanied by two attorneys he’d retained as counsel. Prosecutors said Anderson was able to get his hands on a plexiglass police shield.

After being warned by police to drop the shield, investigators said he was pepper-sprayed, went into medical distress, and was given a written citation after getting medical help.

He’s facing five criminal charges, including assaulting, resisting or impeding an officer, and obstructing or impeding law enforcement. If convicted of all five charges, he could face up to eight and a half years in prison and/or fines up to $555,000.

Prosecutors recommended a conditional release on a $25,000 signature bond, with conditions including travel restrictions and not having access to his guns.

Anderson’s attorneys mostly agreed with the conditions set forth by prosecutors but asked Richardson for a reduced bond.

However, Richardson said he did not feel comfortable with Anderson being released Thursday and set a detention hearing for Friday at 2:30 p.m.

OTHER LOCAL ARRESTS IN CAPITOL RIOT:

U.S. Capitol riot: Orange Park man in federal custody in Jacksonville

FBI Jacksonville announces arrest of Tallahassee man connected to U.S. Capitol riot

U.S. Capitol riots: Macclenny man arrested by FBI for ‘violent entry’

U.S. Capitol riots: FBI Jacksonville announces arrest of Proud Boys member Joseph Biggs

Cox Media Group