Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Despite Last-Minute Changes, Senate Bill Deals Big Blow to Renewable Energy

19 hours ago

Trump-Backed Tax-Cut and Spending Bill Passes US Senate

20 hours ago

Homeland Security Secretary Noem Says CNN May Be Prosecuted Over Report on Migration App

21 hours ago

Israeli Officials to Hold Ceasefire Talks in Washington Amid Military Escalation in Gaza

22 hours ago

Trump Escalates Feud With Musk, Threatens Tesla, SpaceX Support

22 hours ago

Musk Vows to Punish Lawmakers Who Back Trump’s Spending Bill

2 days ago

Will Valadao Spoil Trump’s Plan for July 4th ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Signing?

2 days ago

Shaver Lake and Reedley 4th of July Shows Are Wednesday. Who Else Is Celebrating?

2 days ago
Ben Martin Attorney: He's not Guilty of Capitol Riot Crimes
David Taub Website photo 2024
By David Taub, Senior Reporter
Published 3 years ago on
January 6, 2022

Share

 

Roger Nuttall long ago proved his mettle as one of Fresno’s most-respected defense attorneys.

On the one-year anniversary of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot — which many called an insurrection — Nuttall publicly defended his client, Ben Martin.

Images featured in a charging document allegedly show Benjamin Martin at the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol riot. (USDOJ)

“I don’t view this as an insurrection. I don’t see (Mr. Martin) guilty of any crime,” Nuttall told GV Wire on Thursday. “He has a strong case.”

Martin was arrested in September and charged with six counts for his role one year ago, mainly for obstructing law enforcement. He is accused of entering the U.S. Capitol building.

In interviews at the time, Martin says he was pushed into the building and tried to act as a peacemaker.

The case is in the pre-trial discovery phase and will return to court on Feb. 18 in Washington. Martin is likely to participate remotely, as he has done for his prior appearances.

Plea Deal Entertained

Nuttall said the defense is considering a settlement deal from the Department of Justice. He would not reveal what the government is offering.

“We don’t comment on the possibilities of pleas or offers in our cases,” USDOJ spokesman Bill Miller said.

Separate Gun Charge

Martin also faces a separate weapons charge for violating a prior court order that banned him from possessing firearms. He has pleaded not guilty.

GV Wire previously reported that Martin had yet to be charged on the weapons count, but that was incorrect.

The weapons case is ongoing at the Fresno federal courthouse. He faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted.

However, following any conviction, sentences are at the discretion of the court after consideration of applicable statutes and federal guidelines.

 

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

Trump Pulls Back 150 Guard Troops From Federal Duties in California

DON'T MISS

Trump Says Israel Has Agreed to Conditions to Finalize 60-Day Gaza Ceasefire

DON'T MISS

Fresno County Man Arrested for Suspected Arson Hours After Separate Wildfire

DON'T MISS

New California Environmental Rollbacks Could Boost Housing Projects in Fresno

DON'T MISS

Iran Made Preparations to Mine the Strait of Hormuz, US Sources Say

DON'T MISS

Fresno Unified’s Embattled Nikki Henry Exits. ‘I Own My Mistake. I Won’t Let It Own Me.’

DON'T MISS

Trump Floats Daughter-in-Law Lara Trump for Senate Run in North Carolina

DON'T MISS

Google Hit With $314 Million US Verdict in Cellular Data Class Action

DON'T MISS

Tulare County Wildfire Prompts Advisory in Three Rivers Area

DON'T MISS

O’Brien Launches Fresno County Schools Chief Campaign by Handing Out ‘Homework’

UP NEXT

Trump Says Israel Has Agreed to Conditions to Finalize 60-Day Gaza Ceasefire

UP NEXT

Fresno County Man Arrested for Suspected Arson Hours After Separate Wildfire

UP NEXT

New California Environmental Rollbacks Could Boost Housing Projects in Fresno

UP NEXT

Iran Made Preparations to Mine the Strait of Hormuz, US Sources Say

UP NEXT

Fresno Unified’s Embattled Nikki Henry Exits. ‘I Own My Mistake. I Won’t Let It Own Me.’

UP NEXT

Trump Floats Daughter-in-Law Lara Trump for Senate Run in North Carolina

UP NEXT

Google Hit With $314 Million US Verdict in Cellular Data Class Action

UP NEXT

Tulare County Wildfire Prompts Advisory in Three Rivers Area

UP NEXT

O’Brien Launches Fresno County Schools Chief Campaign by Handing Out ‘Homework’

UP NEXT

Trump Says US Could Reach Trade Deal With India, Casts Doubt on Deal With Japan

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

New California Environmental Rollbacks Could Boost Housing Projects in Fresno

13 hours ago

Iran Made Preparations to Mine the Strait of Hormuz, US Sources Say

14 hours ago

Fresno Unified’s Embattled Nikki Henry Exits. ‘I Own My Mistake. I Won’t Let It Own Me.’

14 hours ago

Trump Floats Daughter-in-Law Lara Trump for Senate Run in North Carolina

14 hours ago

Google Hit With $314 Million US Verdict in Cellular Data Class Action

15 hours ago

Tulare County Wildfire Prompts Advisory in Three Rivers Area

15 hours ago

O’Brien Launches Fresno County Schools Chief Campaign by Handing Out ‘Homework’

15 hours ago

Trump Says US Could Reach Trade Deal With India, Casts Doubt on Deal With Japan

15 hours ago

Jury Reaches Verdict on Some Counts at Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ Sex Trafficking Trial

15 hours ago

How Wimbledon Is Tackling Its Hottest Opening on Record

16 hours ago

Trump Pulls Back 150 Guard Troops From Federal Duties in California

LOS ANGELES — The Trump administration released about 150 National Guard troops on Tuesday in the first pullback since it dispatched a milit...

12 hours ago

12 hours ago

Trump Pulls Back 150 Guard Troops From Federal Duties in California

An Israeli military convoy manoeuvres near the Israel-Gaza border, as seen from Israel, July 1, 2025. (Reuters/Amir Cohen)
13 hours ago

Trump Says Israel Has Agreed to Conditions to Finalize 60-Day Gaza Ceasefire

Abel Joel Garcia Zarate, 39, of Biola, was arrested Sunday, June, 30, 2025, in Madera County on suspicion of starting a wildfire just hours after crews responded to a separate blaze sparked by farm equipment. (Madera County SO)
13 hours ago

Fresno County Man Arrested for Suspected Arson Hours After Separate Wildfire

13 hours ago

New California Environmental Rollbacks Could Boost Housing Projects in Fresno

An aerial view of the Iranian shores and the island of Qeshm in the strait of Hormuz, December 10, 2023. REUTERSStringerFile Photo
14 hours ago

Iran Made Preparations to Mine the Strait of Hormuz, US Sources Say

14 hours ago

Fresno Unified’s Embattled Nikki Henry Exits. ‘I Own My Mistake. I Won’t Let It Own Me.’

Lara Trump looks on during Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump's rally, at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., November 6, 2024. (Reuters File)
14 hours ago

Trump Floats Daughter-in-Law Lara Trump for Senate Run in North Carolina

A Google logo is seen at a company research facility in Mountain View, California, U.S., May 13, 2025. (Reuters File)
15 hours ago

Google Hit With $314 Million US Verdict in Cellular Data Class Action

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

Search

Send this to a friend