A sentencing date has been set for Iced Earth’s Jon Schaffer for his role in the January 6, 2021 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. The guitarist, who is “a founding, lifetime member of the Oath Keepers,” will be sentenced on February 20, 2024.
A minute order from U.S. District Court Judge Amit Mehta said the following:
“The Court hereby refers Defendant Schaffer to the U.S. Probation Office for preparation of a presentence investigation report. The Final Presentence Investigation Report shall be due on or before February 6, 2024. The Parties’ Sentencing Memoranda shall be due on or before February 13, 2024. Replies, if any, shall be due on or before February 16, 2024. Reply briefs shall be limited to five pages. Sentencing for Jon Ryan Schaffer is hereby set for February 20, 2024 at 2:00 PM in Courtroom 10 before Judge Amit P. Mehta. Signed by Judge Amit P. Mehta on 8/11/2023.”
Schaffer previously pleaded guilty to two charges related to his involvement in the insurrection in April 2021. Those charges include obstructing an official proceeding of Congress and trespassing on restricted grounds of the Capitol while armed with a deadly or dangerous weapon.
As part of the plea deal, the musician entered into a cooperation agreement with the government. The Justice Department also agreed to sponsor Schaffer for the witness protection program. CNN previously reported that the guitarist’s legal team have “agreed to recommend that he get between 3.5 and 4.5 years in prison, based on how fruitful his cooperation is with the government.”
The news of Schaffer’s sentencing comes shortly after attorneys for the District of Columbia opposed a dismissal motion regarding a lawsuit that was filed against him and other members of the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys.
[via Blabbermouth]
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