Washington D.C. – A man who smoked marijuana in a senator’s office during the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol was handed a 3½-year prison sentence after a series of disruptive actions in court. Brandon Fellows, 29, from Upstate New York, was convicted of obstructing an official proceeding, entering a restricted building, and disorderly conduct following his involvement in the Capitol riot.
Representing himself for most of his legal proceedings, Fellows faced contempt charges after repeatedly disrespecting the court and the judge throughout the trial. U.S. District Judge Trevor N. McFadden condemned Fellows’ behavior, mentioning his derogatory remarks towards court officials and his lack of remorse for his actions during the riot.
Although Fellows was not charged with violent conduct, prosecutors portrayed him as a significant figure in inciting the mob’s actions on that day. They described how he evaded law enforcement by wrapping his phone in foil and deleting data, making his way into the Capitol building through a broken window after attending a rally in support of former President Donald Trump.
During the sentencing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolina Nevin highlighted Fellows’ jubilant attitude towards the riot and his lack of regret for the chaos he contributed to. She emphasized his dismissive behavior towards law enforcement and his defiance of the legal process.
Fellows continued to contest the legitimacy of the election results and justify his actions, claiming he thought he had the right to enter the Capitol building based on misleading information he received during the riot. However, the judge reiterated the severity of Fellows’ actions, emphasizing the disrespect shown to the government and the rule of law.
In addition to his existing charges related to the Capitol riot, Fellows received a separate sentence for contempt due to his disruptive behavior in court. Despite attempts to justify his actions and portray himself as a victim, Fellows ultimately faced the consequences of his involvement in the events of January 6.
McFadden handed down a total sentence of 37 months for Fellows’ convictions tied to the Capitol riot, along with an additional five months for the contempt charges. The judge pointed out Fellows’ defiance disorder claim as an attempt to evade responsibility for his actions, emphasizing the importance of upholding the law and respecting the judicial process.