The Republic reports that a federal judge has postponed Jon Schaffer‘s sentencing hearing for the fifth time, moving it from the previously scheduled September 13 to October 25. U.S. District Judge Amit P. Mehta also set a deadline for both prosecutors and defense attorneys to present their recommendations for Schaffer‘s sentence. Schaffer was the first individual to plead guilty in connection with the January 6, 2021, storming of the U.S. Capitol.
Originally, Schaffer‘s sentencing was set for February 20, but it has now been delayed five times—first to April, then July, August, September, and now late October.
This latest postponement follows a recent Supreme Court ruling in favor of a January 6 defendant, a decision that could impact hundreds of related cases, including Schaffer‘s. U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves requested the delay in light of this ruling.
Graves stated in his request this past July: “The United States seeks a brief continuance to assess the impact of the (Supreme Court) decision. Such a continuance would not prejudice the defendant or the Court; to the contrary, it would help to ensure a uniform and consistent approach before each judge of the District and Circuit. The United States has consulted with the defense, and they do not oppose this continuance request.”
In April 2021, Jon Schaffer and the U.S. government reached a plea agreement, which significantly contributed to the 18-year imprisonment of Stewart Rhodes, the head of the right-wing extremist organization known as the Oath Keepers. Schaffer‘s plea deal encompassed a lighter sentence in return for revealing information about his co-conspirators in the insurrection. Moreover, there’s a possibility that Schaffer might be included in the Justice Department’s witness protection program as part of the agreement.
Reeder, the visionary behind Metal Addicts, has transformed his lifelong passion for metal into a thriving online community for metal aficionados. As a fervent devotee of black metal, Reeder is captivated by its dark, atmospheric, and often unorthodox soundscapes.