October 17th 2023.
Recently, BLACK ENTERPRISE reported on the sentencing of Enrique Tarrio and other members of the Proud Boys for their roles in the January 6 insurrection. Axios revealed that the federal government is not content with the length of the sentences which ranged between 15-22 years. The prosecution had sought a 33-year sentence for Tarrio, as well as longer sentences for the other men.
In response to the appeal, Tarrio's lawyer Nayib Hassan stated that it was "ludicrous" and that he was looking forward to seeing the government's basis for their appeal. All five men had already appealed the length of their sentences to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia in September.
While this move is rare, legal experts explained that defendants will usually appeal sentences whenever the opportunity arises. It is worth noting that the Proud Boys had been offered plea deals of half the length of the sentences they were given, but they rejected the offer. Barbara McQuade, a former U.S. attorney in Michigan, explained that the defendants rejected the opportunity to receive the benefit of a shorter sentence.
The Department of Justice is also appealing the sentences issued to other extremist group, the Oath Keepers. None of the Oath Keepers received sentences over 12 years, which the government deems too short for the severity of their crimes. McQuade commented that unless specific conditions are met, the initial sentences will usually stand.
The Proud Boys have already been ordered to pay a $1 million fine for vandalizing a Black church following the insurrection. It remains to be seen what the outcome of the appeals will be for the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers.
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