Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Corporation for Public Broadcasting to Close After Funding Cut, in Blow to Local Media

2 days ago

‘Freedom Week’: California Gun Owners Rush to Buy Ammo After Court Ruling

2 days ago

Wall Street Selloff Sparked by Trump Tariffs, Amazon Results, Weak Payrolls

2 days ago

US Construction Spending Extends Decline in June

2 days ago

Global Shares in Red After US Jobs Data, Trump’s Tariff Salvo

2 days ago

Construction of $200M Trump Ballroom at the White House to Begin in September

3 days ago

US Senate Committee Backs $1 Billion for Ukraine in Pentagon Spending Bill

3 days ago

Trump Says Mexico Trade Deal Extended for 90 Days

3 days ago

Fresno Unified Trustee Susan Wittrup Responds to $162,000 Payout

4 days ago
Two Valley Men Still in Court One Year After Capitol Riot
David Taub Website photo 2024
By David Taub, Senior Reporter
Published 4 years ago on
January 5, 2022

Share

The case against two Central Valley men accused of participating in the Jan. 6, 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol continues in federal court.

Benjamin Martin was arrested last September by federal authorities and faces six charges for his role in the attacks. The charges range from trespassing to obstructing law enforcement.

Martin, 43 of Madera, was arraigned in the Fresno federal courthouse. His case was transferred to a Washington, D.C., court, where he has had two hearings. The docket indicates that Martin appeared in the Washington court through teleconferencing.

Ricky Willden, 39, of Oakhurst faces eight counts, including three counts of assault or engaging in violent acts.

A self-proclaimed member of the far-right Proud Boys, Willden was arrested by federal agents on June 30 of last year.

Martin Accused of Entering Capitol

In charging documents, the federal government accused Martin of holding open a door to the U.S. Capitol during the protest that escalated to a riot. Demonstrators opposed the congressional certification of the 2020 presidential election results.

Martin is also accused of taunting law enforcement and illegally being in the Capitol building at the time.

In interviews last year with GV Wire, Martin says he was caught up in the mob and just trying to act as a peacemaker. The U.S. Department of Justice used GV Wire’s information in its charging document.

A one-time real estate agent, Martin has actively voiced his political opinions for the last several years. He hosts shows on his social media accounts.

In 2020, Martin led rallies at Fresno retailers, protesting against masking policies. Martin was detained at one point, but not formally arrested. He has also had documented public shouting matches with Fresno City Councilman Miguel Arias.

Martin is on probation for a 2018 domestic violence case. And, he has an active restraining order from his estranged sister.

His real estate license was restricted by the state Department of Real Estate in 2020.

Martin declined to comment for this story.

Next Court Date in February

Martin’s last court date, Dec. 15, 2021, was for a status conference. The next court date is Feb. 18 in front of Judge Rudolph Contreras for another status update.

Martin remains free on his own recognizance, subject to home detention and GPS monitoring. His travel is also restricted. Martin must notify the court if he is leaving the Central Valley, and is ordered to say away from Washington, except for court appearances. He is also not allowed to possess a firearm or unlawfully possess drugs.

He must also comply with state criminal protective orders based on his domestic violence and restraining order cases.

Federal agents said they found guns during a raid on Martin’s residence at the time of his arrest. Martin is not allowed to possess guns as part of his prior criminal protective order. However, federal authorities have not added gun charges to Martin’s indictment.

Willden’s Case

After his arrest, Willden was released on his own recognizance with conditions. He has pleaded not guilty to all counts. A description of Willden’s alleged activities in Washington is not part of the court docket.

Conditions of Willden’s release forbid him from being in Washington, D.C., except for court proceedings and from associating with the Proud Boys. He also has a 10 p.m. curfew.

His case returns to a Washington courtroom on Feb. 17. It is not clear if he is appearing in person or teleconferencing.

71 Convictions in Riot Cases

So far, 71 people have been sentenced for riot-related crimes. They include a company CEOan architect, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, a gym owner, a former Houston police officer, and a University of Kentucky student. Many rioters have said they lost jobs and friends after their mob of Donald Trump loyalists disrupted the certification of Joe Biden’s presidential victory.

Fifty-six of the 71 pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building. Most of them were sentenced to home confinement or jail terms measured in weeks or months, according to an Associated Press tally of every sentencing.

But rioters who assaulted police officers have gotten years behind bars.

(Associated Press contributed to this article.)

RELATED TOPICS:

DON'T MISS

What Are Fresno Real Estate Experts Predicting for 2025 and Beyond?

DON'T MISS

First California EV Mandates Hit Automakers This Year. Most Are Not Even Close

DON'T MISS

Iran’s Army Chief Says Israeli Threats Remain, State Media Say

DON'T MISS

Tens of Thousands Join Pro-Palestinian March Over Sydney Harbour Bridge

DON'T MISS

Trump, Carney to Speak in Coming Days, Canadian Official Says

DON'T MISS

Rail Customers Urge Regulators to Block Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern Deal, FT Reports

DON'T MISS

United States Set World Record in Women’s 4×100 Medley Relay

DON'T MISS

White House Backs Away From IVF Coverage Mandate Despite Trump’s Campaign Pledge, Washington Post Reports

DON'T MISS

Six More Die of Hunger in Gaza, Israel Says UN Trucks Make Fuel Delivery

DON'T MISS

Gifford Fire Grows to Nearly 40,000 Acres. Evacuation Orders Expanded in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo Counties

DON'T MISS

This Test Can See a Heart Attack in Your Future

DON'T MISS

‘South Park’ Skewers a New Kind of Sanctimony and Trump

UP NEXT

Tens of Thousands Join Pro-Palestinian March Over Sydney Harbour Bridge

UP NEXT

Trump, Carney to Speak in Coming Days, Canadian Official Says

UP NEXT

Rail Customers Urge Regulators to Block Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern Deal, FT Reports

UP NEXT

United States Set World Record in Women’s 4×100 Medley Relay

UP NEXT

White House Backs Away From IVF Coverage Mandate Despite Trump’s Campaign Pledge, Washington Post Reports

UP NEXT

Six More Die of Hunger in Gaza, Israel Says UN Trucks Make Fuel Delivery

UP NEXT

Gifford Fire Grows to Nearly 40,000 Acres. Evacuation Orders Expanded in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo Counties

UP NEXT

This Test Can See a Heart Attack in Your Future

UP NEXT

‘South Park’ Skewers a New Kind of Sanctimony and Trump

UP NEXT

India Will Buy Russian Oil Despite Trump’s Threats, Officials Say

David Taub,
Senior Reporter
Curiosity drives David Taub. The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices. Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read. Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man). Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl. When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue! You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email

Rail Customers Urge Regulators to Block Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern Deal, FT Reports

5 hours ago

United States Set World Record in Women’s 4×100 Medley Relay

5 hours ago

White House Backs Away From IVF Coverage Mandate Despite Trump’s Campaign Pledge, Washington Post Reports

5 hours ago

Six More Die of Hunger in Gaza, Israel Says UN Trucks Make Fuel Delivery

5 hours ago

Gifford Fire Grows to Nearly 40,000 Acres. Evacuation Orders Expanded in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo Counties

5 hours ago

This Test Can See a Heart Attack in Your Future

6 hours ago

‘South Park’ Skewers a New Kind of Sanctimony and Trump

6 hours ago

India Will Buy Russian Oil Despite Trump’s Threats, Officials Say

1 day ago

The US Said It Had No Choice but to Deport Them to a Third Country. Then It Sent Them Home

1 day ago

Trump Reaffirms Support for Morocco’s Sovereignty Over Western Sahara

1 day ago

Iran’s Army Chief Says Israeli Threats Remain, State Media Say

DUBAI — The commander-in-chief of Iran’s military, Amir Hatami, said on Sunday that threats from Israel persist, according to state me...

4 hours ago

Iranian Army commander-in-chief Amir Hatami attends a meeting in the Iranian Army's War Command Room at an undisclosed location in Iran, in this handout image obtained on June 23, 2025. (Reuters File)
4 hours ago

Iran’s Army Chief Says Israeli Threats Remain, State Media Say

Protesters walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge during the Palestine Action Group's March for Humanity in Sydney, Australia, August 3, 2025. AAP/Dean Lewins via REUTERS
4 hours ago

Tens of Thousands Join Pro-Palestinian March Over Sydney Harbour Bridge

Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney arrives at a press conference to make an announcement on recognizing Palestinian statehood, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, July 30, 2025. (Reuters File)
4 hours ago

Trump, Carney to Speak in Coming Days, Canadian Official Says

A Union Pacific rail car is parked at a Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) train yard in Seattle, Washington, U.S., February 10, 2017. (Reuters File)
5 hours ago

Rail Customers Urge Regulators to Block Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern Deal, FT Reports

World Aquatics Championships - Women 4x100m Medley Relay Final - World Aquatics Championships Arena, Singapore - August 3, 2025 Regan Smith, Kate Douglass, Gretchen Walsh and Torri Huske of the U.S. celebrate after winning the final and making a new world record REUTERS/Edgar Su
5 hours ago

United States Set World Record in Women’s 4×100 Medley Relay

A view shows Alabama Fertility, an IVF clinic in Birmingham, Alabama, U.S., February, 23, 2024. (Reuters File)
5 hours ago

White House Backs Away From IVF Coverage Mandate Despite Trump’s Campaign Pledge, Washington Post Reports

5 hours ago

Six More Die of Hunger in Gaza, Israel Says UN Trucks Make Fuel Delivery

The Gifford Fire has scorched nearly 40,000 acres in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties as of Sunday, August 3, 2025, prompting multiple evacuation orders and the closure of Highway 166 as crews work to contain the fast-moving wildfire. (CalFire)
5 hours ago

Gifford Fire Grows to Nearly 40,000 Acres. Evacuation Orders Expanded in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo Counties

Help continue the work that gets you the news that matters most.

Search

Send this to a friend