A former Virginia police officer, who participated in the storming of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, has had his prison sentence reduced to six years. Originally sentenced to seven years and three months, the former Rocky Mount Police Sgt. Thomas Robertson benefited from a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that limited the government's use of a federal obstruction law.
Prosecutors had initially sought to maintain the original sentence, but U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper decided to impose the shorter prison term after dismissing Robertson's conviction for obstructing the congressional certification of President Joe Biden’s 2020 electoral victory.
Robertson, who was the first Capitol riot defendant to be resentenced following the Supreme Court ruling in June, expressed remorse during his second sentencing hearing. He acknowledged the wrongfulness of his actions on January 6 and stated his readiness to rebuild his life after serving his prison term.
Robertson was convicted on all six counts in his indictment, including charges related to interfering with police officers during a civil disorder and entering a restricted area with a dangerous weapon. His trial marked the second among the hundreds of Capitol riot cases.
Accompanied by another off-duty Rocky Mount police officer and a third individual, Robertson traveled to Washington on the day of the riot. His social media posts before and after the event revealed his beliefs and intentions, including references to being disenfranchised by fraud and preparing for a civil war.
While prosecutors highlighted Robertson's use of his law enforcement and military training to impede police officers during the riot, his defense attorney emphasized that Robertson's actions were not aimed at overthrowing democracy. The town of Rocky Mount terminated Robertson's employment following the events of January 6.
Robertson's case underscores the complexities and legal implications surrounding the Capitol riot prosecutions, particularly in light of the recent Supreme Court ruling on obstruction charges.
