Benjamin Martin of Madera was convicted of illegal firearm possession and ammunition charges Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Fresno federal court. He previously was convicted of crimes related to the January 6, 2021, Capitol breach. He faces significant prison time and fines. (USDOJ)
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Benjamin Martin, 46, of Madera, was convicted Tuesday of illegally possessing firearms and ammunition following a one-day trial in Fresno.
U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced the trial result in a news release.
Court records and evidence presented at trial revealed that in September 2021, the FBI searched Martin’s Madera home and arrested him on charges related to the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol breach.
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During the search, agents discovered eight firearms, including an AR-15-style rifle, several high-capacity magazines, and more than 500 rounds of ammunition.
Martin Illegally Owned These Items
Martin was barred from owning these items due to a prior domestic violence conviction and a restraining order related to an incident in which he choked his then-girlfriend and forcibly dragged her back into the house.
Following his arrest, Martin was recorded instructing his fiancée to falsely claim that the seized firearms belonged to her and her father. She complied with his request.
Martin is set to be sentenced for the firearms case in Fresno on Nov. 25 and faces up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
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January 6 Capitol Breach Case
Martin also faced trial in Washington, D.C., for his role in the Capitol breach, where evidence showed he held a door open for other rioters while officers attempted to close it.
He was convicted on charges that included civil disorder and obstructing an official proceeding.
His sentencing in the Capitol breach case will take place in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 15.
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