The case of a Yellville man charged with being part of a mob that attacked the U.S. Capitol January 6 last year may be resolved by mid-November.
The rioters were in Washington as part of a failed attempt to halt certification of the vote in the 2020 election.
Death threats were also directed at a number of government officials, including former Vice President Mike Pence.
DATE SET FOR NEW STATUS CONFERENCE
In a Status Conference held Thursday in the Federal District Court for the District of Columbia on Thursday, Judge Royce C. Lamberth set November 17 as the date for another status conference — where one of two important steps in Mott’s case seem likely to be taken.
Judge Lamberth said if a plea had been worked out in the case, it could be taken on November 17. If no plea had been agreed to by then, a date to take the case to trial would be decided.
Mott’s new attorney, Joseph W. Allen of Branson, said he had no objection to the suggested mid-November date.
MOUNTAIN OF EVIDENCE
During the hearing, it was brought up by U.S. Attorney Graciela Lindberg that evidence in the Capitol riot cases now exceeded 3.3 million files. She said to watch all of the video obtained for the cases would take 24 hours a day for 100 days.
The government anticipates it will take a week to try Mott’s case if no plea can be worked out, Lindberg told Judge Lamberth.
TRIAL OR PLEA – DECISION NEAR
Mott’s attorney said he had made significant progress in going through the evidence and felt he was “fairly up to date.” He told Judge Lamberth that, in his opinion, “We can come to a decision on this pretty quickly.”
THE ARREST
Mott was arrested in Yellville by agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in May last year. The agents had conducted “pre-arrest physical surveillance” of Mott January 28 and February 5 last year.
He faces several charges to which he has entered a not guilty plea. Each of the charges carries a maximum federal prison sentence of six months or probation and fines.
In several videos taken during the riot, a bearded man identified as Mott is seen in various parts of the Capitol rotunda.
In one clip, the man identified as Mott shows signs, including red and swollen eyes, of having been sprayed with tear gas or similar chemical irritants. He is also pictured pouring water on the face of another member of the mob.
Mott is also allegedly shown pushing against the baton of a Metropolitan Police officer. Mott was reported to have been overheard saying, “don’t touch me,” and “if you don’t touch me, I won’t touch you.”
In a statement of facts included in Motts federal court case, investigators write the Yellville man went to Washington with an apparent acquaintance from Oklahoma.
NUMBER OF CASES HANDLED
To date, a number of people who participated in the attack on the Capitol have pled guilty or been found guilty by juries.
The longest prison sentence handed down to date is 10 years given to a retired New York City cop.
At least five people were killed during the siege or its aftermath, including several police officers attempting to protect the Capitol building and those inside.
In addition to any jail time or probation they might receive, the rioters are also been ordered to pay restitution to help restore damaged areas of the Capitol as well as historic paintings and statuary.
Glass in windows and doors was smashed, offices were looted and furniture destroyed or stolen. The architect of the Capitol has estimated the cost of making repairs was $1.5 million and climbing on May 17.
The Thursday status conference in Mott’s case was done by telephone.
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