Stewart Rhodes, the founder of the far right militia group, the Oath Keepers, was found guilty of seditious conspiracy by a federal jury in Washington on Tuesday, NBC News reports.
The guilty verdict is a massive victory for the government in the most serious case brought by the Justice Department’s investigation of the Jan. 6 Capitol attack.
Kelly Meggs, the leader of the Florida chapter of the Oath Keepers was also found guilty of seditious conspiracy.
Seditious conspiracy carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. Rhodes’ lawyer said Tuesday that he plans to appeal the conviction.
Three other members of the group-Jessica Watkins, Kenneth Harrelson and Thomas Caldwell — were found not guilty on the seditious conspiracy charge.
All five members of the Oath Keepers who were on trial were found guilty of obstruction of an official proceeding and aiding and abetting for their role in the Jan. 6 attack.
The Justice Department also brought seditious conspiracy charges against members of the right-wing group the Proud Boys including the group’s leader, Enrique Tarrio. They’re due in court next month,
