A Virginia man who was part of a mob that forced their way into the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, was sentenced this week to prison, ordered to pay restitution and lost his right to vote in this year’s election.
Antonio Lamotta, 64, of Chesapeake, was sentenced Wednesday to six months in prison, 24 months of supervised release and ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution.
Lamotta was found guilty of felony civil disorder and two misdemeanor offenses of disorderly conduct by U.S. District Judge Jia M. Cobb after a bench trial in March in Washington, D.C.
Anyone convicted of a felony in Virginia automatically loses their civil rights including the right to vote, serve on a jury, run for office, become a notary public and carry a firearm.
According to court documents, Lamotta traveled from Chesapeake to Washington, D.C., on Jan. 4, 2021, and told other “patriots” to “get in here asap” via social media.
Lamotta attended a rally near the Senate Russell Building and later approached the U.S. Capitol from the East side where rioters had seized control of the area. Lamotta and other rioters forced their way into the building through the East Rotunda doors despite the blaring alarm and U.S. Capitol Police officers fighting to keep them out of the building.
Once inside, Lamotta continued pushing forward in the direction of the Rotunda. He observed law enforcement officers trying to clear the area, turned to the rioters behind him, put his arm up, and waved – 19 times – motioning rioters toward the Rotunda. A line of officers then began to push the rioters out; however, Lamotta attempted to stand his ground as some in the crowd around him violently resisted the officers.
Officers ultimately forced Lamotta and others out through the East Rotunda door at approximately 3:30 p.m. Lamotta remained on Capitol grounds until approximately 5 p.m.
The FBI arrested Lamotta on Aug. 16, 2022.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section prosecuted this case. The FBI’s Washington Field Office investigated this case.
Jan. 6 investigation ongoing
In the 44 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,500 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol including more than 560 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony.
The investigation remains ongoing.
The FBI is still working to locate fugitives including Evan Neumann, Adam Villarreal and Paul Belosic. Additional suspects are also wanted for violent assaults on law enforcement. Images and video of additional attackers are online, and the FBI is asking for tips from the public in identifying these individuals.
Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.
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Crystal Graham
