Kellye SoRelle, an attorney affiliated with the “Latinos for Trump” political group, is set to plead guilty for her involvement in the January 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol. This development marks a significant moment in the ongoing legal repercussions of the infamous event.
Key Details of the Case
SoRelle, who served as general counsel to the Oath Keepers—a right-wing militia group—has reached a plea agreement with federal authorities, as reported by Newsweek on Tuesday, July 9, 2024. She has been a notable supporter of former President Donald Trump, providing free legal advice to various pro-Trump groups.
Federal prosecutor Matthew Graves announced the plea deal in a court filing in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday. Although the specifics of the agreement were not disclosed, Graves indicated that details would be submitted to the judge separately, with a status hearing proposed for Wednesday.
Charges and Allegations
SoRelle faced four charges, including obstruction of an official proceeding and obstruction of justice for allegedly advising other January 6 protesters to delete incriminating information from their phones. Her connection to the Oath Keepers is deep-rooted, with close ties to former leader Stewart Rhodes. The two were photographed together in front of the Capitol on January 6.
After Rhodes’ arrest for alleged sedition, SoRelle assumed his role as President of Oath Keepers, defending him staunchly. In an email to Rolling Stone magazine, she stated, “I am currently acting as President of Oath Keepers in lieu of Mr. Rhodes until he is released. He is not guilty of any of the outlandish charges, and the organization stands with Mr. Rhodes.”
Ongoing Legal Battle
The legal battle surrounding SoRelle has been ongoing. At a September 2022 hearing, prosecutor Jeffrey Nestler requested that Judge Amit Mehta restrict SoRelle’s internet access, citing her online postings about the case and alleged instructions to others to delete evidence. Despite these concerns, Judge Mehta determined that the postings were insufficient grounds to restrict her internet access.
SoRelle, a former Republican candidate for the Texas House of Representatives, also served as counsel for both “Latinos for Trump” and “Blacks for Trump.” Her legal work and political involvement have kept her in the public eye, especially among Trump supporters.
Defense and Allegations of Misuse of Funds
In response to allegations of misusing Oath Keeper funds, SoRelle staunchly defended Rhodes. The Wall Street Journal reported that the group’s bookkeeper accused Rhodes of using the Oath Keepers’ credit card for personal expenses, including purchasing guns and groceries. SoRelle refuted these claims, explaining that the guns were used for the group’s advertising and the groceries were for members in Virginia. She dismissed the allegations as coming from “disgruntled people that have a bone to pick,” labeling the accusations as “petty, stupid and salacious.”
Implications and Broader Impact
SoRelle’s plea agreement marks a significant development in the ongoing legal repercussions of the January 6 riot. Her involvement with both the Oath Keepers and Trump-affiliated groups highlights the complex web of relationships among those charged in connection with the Capitol attack. The court’s handling of SoRelle’s internet activity, particularly her online posts and instructions to others, raises questions about the balance between free speech and the integrity of legal proceedings.
Judge Mehta’s decision not to restrict her internet access suggests a cautious approach to limiting defendants’ communication rights, even amid allegations of potential interference with evidence. The resolution of SoRelle’s case will add to the evolving narrative of accountability and justice following the Capitol riot.
As the court prepares for the status hearing on Wednesday, the specifics of SoRelle’s plea agreement will be closely examined. The outcome will provide further insight into the legal strategies employed by both federal prosecutors and defense attorneys representing those charged in connection with the Capitol riot. SoRelle’s case, like many others stemming from the January 6 events, serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing legal battles and the complex interplay of political affiliations, legal defense, and accountability.
The plea deal signifies a step towards resolving one of the numerous cases linked to the Capitol riot, but the broader implications and the final outcomes for many defendants remain to be seen.
