WASHINGTON, D.C. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- An ex-tech executive from Inverness has become the first Illinoisan to be sentenced for taking part in the Jan. 6 attack on the U. S. Capitol.
53-year-old Bradley Rukstales has been sentenced to 30 days in jail for his role in the January insurrection.
U.S District Judge Carl Nichols imposed the sentence for Rukstales after an in-person hearing at the federal courthouse in Washington, D.C., according to the Chicago Tribune. In addition to a month in jail, the judge ordered him to pay $500 in restitution.
About 13 other Illinois residents, including some from the Chicago area, are still awaiting resolution of their cases for taking part in the attack.
Rukstales pleaded guilty back in August to willfully and knowingly parading, demonstrating and picketing inside the capitol, prosecutors said. While inside, Rukstales threw a chair in the direction of capitol police officers. While the chair did not strike anyone, authorities called it a belligerent action.
The Tribune reports that Rukstales, whose campaign finance records show contributions of thousands of dollars to Donald Trump’s 2020 campaign, said in a written statement just after the riot that he followed others into the Capitol to see what was happening, and that he regretted his participation.
“Without qualification and as a peaceful and law-abiding citizen, I condemn the violence and destruction that took place,” he wrote. “It was the single worst personal decision of my life; I have no excuse for my actions and wish that I could take them back.”
Rukstales was president and CEO of Schaumburg- based tech company Cogensia, but was terminated after being charged.
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