Date: 11-15-2024

Case Style:

United States of America v. Matthew Leland Klein

Case Number:

Judge: Randolph D. Moss

Court: The United States District Court for the District of Columbia

Plaintiff's Attorney: The States United Attorney’s Office for Washington, D.C.

Defendant's Attorney:

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Description:

Washington, D.C. criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with Misdemeanor Charges for Actions During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach
Oregon Man Sentenced on Felony and Misdemeanor Charges for Actions During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

Actions During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

An Oregon man was sentenced to prison on Nov. 14, 2024, after he previously pleaded guilty to felony and misdemeanor charges related to his conduct during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

Matthew Leland Klein, 27, of Pendleton, Oregon, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Randolph D. Moss to 90 days in prison and 36 months of supervised release. Klein previously pleaded guilty to a felony charge of civil disorder and a misdemeanor charge of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds on July 17, 2024.

According to court documents, Matthew Klein and his brother, Jonathanpeter Allen Klein, traveled from Portland, Oregon, to Washington, D.C., to attend the “Stop the Steal” rally on Jan. 6, 2021. After attending the rally, the brothers made their way toward the Capitol building and entered into the restricted perimeter before separating.

As a crowd of rioters amassed on the West Front of the Capitol building, Klein climbed up the Northwest Staircase and into the scaffolding that had been erected for the Inaugural stage. Here, Klein was in a position to see officers actively working to stop rioters from advancing on the Capitol building and rioters in the crowd assaulting those officers. While inside the scaffolding, Klein became separated from his brother.

The first breach of the Capitol occurred at approximately 2:12 p.m. when rioters broke open windows adjacent to the Senate Wing Door. At approximately 2:18 p.m., Klein entered the

Capitol building through the Senate Wing Door carrying a Gadsden flag. He then exited the building approximately ten minutes later, at 2:28 p.m., through a broken window next to the Senate Wing Door. Although Klein exited the building at 2:29 p.m., he did not retreat or leave Capitol Grounds at the time.

Later, Klein reunited with his brother and approached the North door. There, police officers were assembled to prevent a further breach of the building. Klein then joined his brother and other rioters in forcefully yanking the door open, causing damage to the door—estimated by the Architect of the Capitol to be in excess of $10,000—and exposing officers to the violent mob.

Immediately after breaching the North Door, Klein stepped back and pulled his safety goggles over his eyes. Court documents say that Klein took this action because he understood that law enforcement would attempt to resecure the door, including through the use of chemical irritant sprays.

After pulling his safety goggles over his eyes, Klein then positioned himself in front of this door to obstruct the officers who were emerging from the building to disperse the rioters. Klein also used his flag to interfere with the officers who were attempting to resecure the door.

The FBI arrested the two men on March 23, 2021, in Oregon.

Jonathanpeter Allen Klein is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 2, 2024.

This case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney's Office for District of Oregon.

This case was investigated by the FBI's Portland and Washington Field Offices. Matthew Klein was identified as BOLO (BE on the Lookout) #127R and Jonathanpeter was identified as BOLO #127L and. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

In the 46 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,561 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 590 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

Outcome:

Defendant was found guilty and sentenced to 90 days in prison and 36 months of supervised release

Plaintiff's Experts:

Defendant's Experts:

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