A former Navy intelligence officer has successfully avoided further imprisonment following his trial connected to the January 6, 2021, events at the U.S. Capitol.
Thomas Caldwell emerged victorious in a federal trial held in Washington, D.C., where a jury acquitted him of the most serious allegations, including seditious conspiracy — a charge that the Justice Department aggressively pursued.
Although he was found guilty of two lesser conspiracy charges, one was later thrown out after a ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court last year.
Trial and Allegations
Prosecutors accused Caldwell of helping to establish “quick reaction force” teams linked to the Oath Keepers, who allegedly stood ready outside the Capitol to supply weapons to extremists, should the situation demand it.
In defense of these claims, Caldwell’s team argued that the proposed weapons were intended solely for defensive use and were never actually deployed.
Defense and Sentencing
On the day of the Capitol riot, Caldwell did not enter the building, and he downplayed his pre-January 6 communications, including a message discussing the transport of “heavy weapons” by boat across the Potomac River.
He characterized these discussions as mere “creative writing” rather than serious plans.
His defense further emphasized his status as a disabled veteran, advocating that his military background, combined with his acquittal on the more grave charges, warranted a sentence of time served.
Notably, he had already spent over 50 days in custody since his arrest in 2021.
Prosecution’s Perspective
The prosecution sought a four-year sentence, hinging on a remaining obstruction of justice charge, and portrayed Caldwell as an eager participant in significant wrongdoing.
Contrarily, his attorney argued that since Caldwell had been acquitted of the conspiracy allegations and had service-connected disabilities, he deserved leniency in sentencing.
Ultimately, after being cleared of the most severe charges, Caldwell received a sentence of time served.
Source: Militarytimes