A judge ruled on Wednesday that Stewart Rhodes, the leader of the right-wing group, the Oath Keepers who has been charged with sedition relating to Jan. 6, must remain behind bars until his trial.
Magistrate Judge Kimberly Priest Johnson said in her ruling that Rhodes, as leader of the Oath Keepers has access to nation-wide contacts and a broad network that could easily provide him refuge from custody and avoid being apprehended if released.
“Defendant’s authoritative role in the conspiracy, access to substantial weaponry, and ability to finance any future insurrection, combined with his continued advocacy for violence against the federal government, gives rise to a credible threat that Defendant’s release might endanger others by fostering the planning and execution of additional violent events,” Johnson wrote in the order. “This is especially so given Defendant’s technical savvy, military training, and familiarity with encrypted communication; it is nearly impossible to effectively monitor communications made through encrypted messaging and video conferencing applications, which Defendant is known to use,” she added.
Rhodes, 56, was arrested at his home in Granbury, Texas, earlier this month and charged with one count of seditious conspiracy. It was the first time a defendant was charged with sedition in connection with the January 6 assault on the U.S. Capitol.
Prosecutors say Rhodes encourage members of the Oath Keepers to launch a violent attack on Jan. 6 to stop the peaceful transfer of power. He allegedly contributed $40,000 to stock the Oath Keepers’ weapons arsenal leading up to the attack.
If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison.
