Images featured in a charging document showing Benjamin Martin of Madera at the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot. (USDOJ)
Share
|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
A Madera man previously convicted for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol breach was sentenced Monday to three years and two months in prison for illegally possessing firearms and ammunition, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
Related Story: Man Found Dead in Fresno’s Roeding Park Identified as Bay Area Resident
Benjamin Martin, 46, was found guilty of firearms charges after a one-day trial in Fresno.
Prosecutors presented evidence that in September 2021, FBI agents executing a search warrant at Martin’s home discovered eight firearms, including an AR-15-style rifle, multiple high-capacity magazines, and more than 500 rounds of ammunition.
Related Story: Woman Found Dead in Fresno. Homicide Investigation Underway.
Martin was prohibited from owning firearms due to a prior domestic violence conviction involving an assault on his then-girlfriend.
Authorities also revealed that Martin instructed his fiancée to lie about the seized firearms on a recorded jail call, claiming they belonged to her and her father.
This led to an enhancement of Martin’s sentence for witness tampering.
Related Story: Madera County Shooting Strikes K-9, Investigation Ongoing
Martin’s legal troubles extend beyond California. In Washington, D.C., he was recently convicted on five counts related to the Capitol breach, including holding open a door to allow other rioters to attack officers with chemical sprays and projectiles.
He is scheduled for sentencing in that case on Dec. 20, where he faces additional prison time and fines.
RELATED TOPICS:
Categories
Military Parade Barrels Through Nation’s Capital With Tanks, Troops and 21-Gun Salute
Authorities Still Searching for Suspect in Shooting of 2 Minnesota State Lawmakers
Caitlin Clark Returns and Leads Fever to Upset Win Over Unbeaten Liberty
