CHICAGO (WBBM) — A New York man facing charges for allegedly assaulting a police officer during the siege on the U.S. Capitol is asking a judge to allow him to use dating websites while the legal process plays out.
Thomas Sibick, of Buffalo, has been on house arrest since October while awaiting trial on charges in connection with the "ongoing violent assault" of former Metropolitan Police Officer Michael Fanone. The officer was dragged down the Capitol steps into a mob of rioters, then beaten and stripped of his gear.
Sibick was arrested in March and ordered held at jail in Washington, D.C. But in October, a judge ordered the 36-year-old's release to home confinement under the supervision of his parents, citing the "toxic environment" where several accused Capitol rioters were being held and concern over further radicalization. The judge said Sibick could use the internet, but she ordered him not to use any social media or watch any political news programs that could "inflame his thoughts."
In a court filing on Christmas Day, Sibick's attorney urged the judge to modify the release conditions and allow him to use certain websites to "interact with members of the opposite gender for the purpose of establishing a friendship."
"He is not seeking to use any social media application for any prohibited purpose, such as for political engagement, news reading, or any other activity that would violate not only the letter, but the spirit, of his release conditions," attorney Stephen Brennwald wrote. "He is very grateful to this Court for the chance it took when it released him, and he has no intention of remotely coming close to any line that delineates his activity while on release."
"He does, however, feel the need to establish some sort of connection with someone (if possible, in light of his situation)," Brennwald added.
Sibick is facing several charges including entering the Capitol without authority, violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds, obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder, and assaulting, resisting and impeding officers. He has pleaded not guilty.
According to a criminal complaint, Sibick took Fanone's badge and radio during the riot. He returned back home to Buffalo and tried to hide the items, but investigators ultimately found the badge burried in his back yard. The radio was thrown away and never recovered.
Sibick initially told the FBI he was trying to save Fanone from the mob and grabbed his gear as a way to protect him. He also said he threw the badge and radio away because he was worried about getting arrested if he returned them, according to the complaint.
During follow-up interviews with the FBI, Sibick eventually admitted that he was part of a mob that confronted Fanone. He also admitted to lying about throwing away the badge, according to the complaint.
If convicted as charged, Sibick is facing 20 years in prison.
Fanone was injured and is seeking accountability for the rioters and those who urged them on. He announced last week that he had resigned as a police officer.
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