BUFFALO (WBEN) - Pete Harding made his initial federal court appearance Thursday afternoon before Judge Jeremiah McCarthy, as Harding, a Cheektowaga resident, has been named in a criminal complaint stemming from the violent riot that took place at the Capitol last Wednesday.
Harding has been charges in a two-count criminal complaint issued out of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia: knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority, as well as violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds.
If convicted of the first charge, Harding could face up one year in prison, a fine, and an additional year of supervised release. If convicted of the second, he could face up to six months in prison and a fine.
There was argument between the prosecution and defense regarding Harding's release ahead of his next scheduled court date, and Judge McCarthy decided he could be released under electronic monitoring prior to further court proceedings.
Harding's next virtual court appearance is set for next Tuesday, January 19, at 1 p.m.
