Share this @internewscast.com

WASHINGTON — A Donald Trump supporter who faced threats after far-right conspiracy theorists and then-Fox News host Tucker Carlson falsely suggested he was a secret government operative who entrapped other Jan. 6 rioters was sentenced to probation on Tuesday.

Ray Epps, who was on the grounds of the Capitol on Jan. 6, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count earlier this year. Prosecutors sought a six-month prison sentence for Epps who became a target of far-right conspiracy theorists who have sought ways to obscure the truth: that hundreds of Trump supporters committed criminal acts on Jan. 6 because they believed the former president’s lie that the 2020 presidential election had been stolen.

“More than 700 people have been sentenced in this courthouse for their role in January 6th. Not one is a member of Antifa or a FBI agent,” Judge James Boasberg said Tuesday before sentencing Epps to probation.

Federal prosecutors had argued that Epps’ conduct on Jan. 6 was worthy of a period of incarceration, saying he “did not deserve the threats but does deserve to go to jail.”

“Ray Epps has been unfairly scapegoated. He was not a secret agent trying to trick Trump supporters,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Gordon said during the sentencing hearing. “He is not innocent either.”

Epps told the judge before his sentencing that Fox News contributed to his belief that the election was stolen. He is currently suing Fox News, accusing the network of spreading the conspiracy theory that he was a federal agent. A representative for Fox did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Speaking of the pro-Trump mob on Jan. 6, Epps said that he had “never seen hate and vulgarity on this level” and that he realized “in hindsight” that what he did on Jan. 6 “is not what a Constitution-loving American would do.”

Epps, who now lives in an RV with his wife because of threats and called into the hearing remotely, said that he now chooses God and the Constitution over politicians and that he wants to help others who fell for lies about the 2020 presidential election.

“I commit to use the rest of my life to teach others to respect election results,” Epps said, indicating he planned to commit himself to advocating against election denialism.

Boasberg said that Epps had been “vilified in a matter unique to January 6 defendants” and that he was “the only one who suffered for what you didn’t do.” Boasberg said he believed Epps was truly remorseful for his actions.

“Given all of that mitigation, I believe prison is not warranted,” Boasberg said, sentencing Epps to a year of probation and 100 hours of community service.

Despite the fact that Epps was charged with and pleaded guilty to a federal crime, and that the government advocated for Epps to spend six months in federal prison, baseless and fact-free conspiracy theories about him continued to spread on Tuesday.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Titan submersible widow says remains of husband and son came back in what looked like small 'shoeboxes'

Heartbreaking Return: Widow Reveals Titan Submersible Remains Arrived in ‘Shoeboxes

Christine Dawood, who tragically lost her husband and son in the Titan…
Staggering drop in LA tourism as nearly every other California destination saw gains

LA Tourism Declines While Other California Hotspots Thrive

Tourism in Los Angeles has seen a downturn for the first time…
Man shot dead as argument erupts at deli in NYC's Alphabet City

Tragic Shooting in Alphabet City Deli: NYC Argument Escalates to Fatality

A heated confrontation outside a Manhattan deli late Saturday night turned tragic,…
2 trains collide in Denmark, leaving 5 people critically injured

Denmark Train Collision: Critical Injuries for 5 After Major Rail Accident

In a serious incident early Thursday, a train collision in Denmark left…
Officer shot at White House Correspondents’ Dinner is 'doing great,' Trump says

Trump Reports Injured Officer at White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Path to Recovery

A Secret Service officer who was wounded during an attempt to breach…
Our Chicago: What to know about the proposed 'bell-to-bell' school cell phone ban Illinois SB 2424

Illinois SB 2424: Key Insights into the Proposed Comprehensive School Cell Phone Ban in Chicago

In the bustling educational landscape of Illinois, a new legislative proposal is…
Mamdani releases propaganda video promoting Soviet-style city-run grocery stores

Inside Mamdani’s Controversial Push for Soviet-Inspired City Grocery Stores

New York City’s Mayor Zohran Mamdani unveiled a promotional video on Saturday,…
White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting updates: Everything we know suspect identified as Cole Allen from Torrance, California

Breaking News: Cole Allen Identified as Suspect in White House Correspondents’ Dinner Shooting – Latest Updates

The suspect involved in the shooting outside the White House Correspondents’ Dinner…
Trump claims Iran's oil infrastructure may explode in three days due to US blockade

Explosive Warning: Trump Predicts Iran’s Oil Infrastructure Crisis Amidst US Blockade

On Sunday, former President Trump suggested that within roughly three days, Iran’s…
London Marathon runner is first person to finish in under 2 hours

Historic Breakthrough: Runner Shatters 2-Hour Barrier at London Marathon!

It was a groundbreaking achievement, accomplished on two remarkable feet. Kenyas’ Sabastian…
Ships seized by Iranians 'armed to the teeth' along Strait of Hormuz have been taken toward port: report

Iranian Forces Heavily Arm and Seize Ships in Strait of Hormuz: Latest Developments Unfold

Two container ships have been seized by Iranian forces in the strategic…
White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting suspect Cole Allen seen on local news segment from 2017 touting his invention

2017 Local News Footage Reveals White House Correspondents’ Dinner Shooting Suspect Cole Allen Promoting Invention

A 2017 television segment from a local news station has resurfaced amidst…