(WWJ) A male model from Michigan who pleaded guilty to assaulting a law enforcement officers with a dangerous weapon during the January 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol has been sentenced to three years in prison.
A federal judge in Washington D.C. said prison time is needed for Logan James Barnhart of Holt, who has worked as a model for romance novel covers, so it deters others.
Federal authorities said photos and video on social media showed Barnhart — wearing sunglasses and a a Caterpillar hoodie — using a flagpole to assault Metropolitan Police officers on the day of the siege.
According to reports by CBS News, Judge Rudolph Contreras at Thursday's sentencing emphasized that Jan. 6th "was not a peaceful event" and he said that day threatened America's democracy. Contreras added that former President Donald Trump and his allies "bear a lot of responsibility for what happened that day."
Before he was sentenced, the 41-year-old Barnhart told the court he was "bored" during the pandemic, and just thought attending the rally would be a good excuse to get out of the house.
He added that there there was so much commotion that day that he doesn't recognize himself or his actions when he watches video of the incident.
Federal prosecutors said Barnhart grabbed a police officer and "threw the officer to the wolves," dragging him face down into a mob where the officer was beaten.
The U.S. Justice Department contended that prosecutor says Barnhart "wasn't caught in the middle" of the attack, but in fact ran and climbed toward it.
Countering those arguments, Barnhart's defense attorney said her client is remorseful, took responsibility for his actions and deserves leniency. She argued that Barnhart did not bring any weapons with him, didn't know anyone else there and had hoped to bring his mother along, although his mon did not end up attending.
According to a report by Huffington Post, Barnhart described himself as a "physique competitor," worked as a heavy equipment operator, and modeled for romance novel covers. Photos of Barnhart appeared on books including "Crash and Burn," and "Stepbrother UnSEALed: A Bad Boy Military Romance."
Along with prison time, Barnhart will also have to pay about $5,000 in fines and restitution.
Barnhart was among a group of defendants named in an indictment returned in Washington DC. The Justice Department says Jack Wade Whitton, 32, of Locust Grove, Georgia, pleaded guilty on Sept. 13, 2022. Another defendant, Justin Jersey, 32, of Flint, pleaded guilty on Sept. 7, 2022. Five others have pleaded not guilty and are awaiting further court proceedings.
