Rhodes, 56, is the most high-profile defendant of the more than
725 people charged with playing a role in the attack by
then-President Donald Trump's supporters. His lawyer said there
is no evidence that Rhodes conspired to block Congress from
certifying Joe Biden's election.
He is one of 11 members or associates of the Oath Keepers facing
a seditious conspiracy charge.
He is accused of spearheading a conspiracy to block the
certification of the presidential election by recruiting
co-conspirators and even stationing armed "quick reaction force"
units outside of Washington to be ready to stop the peaceful
transfer of power.
A U.S. magistrate judge in Texas last month ruled Rhodes should
be detained, after hearing testimony from an FBI agent as well
as Rhodes' ex-wife who expressed concerns for her safety.
He is currently being held in a jail in Texas. He has asked U.S.
District Judge Amit Mehta to free him from custody and to permit
him to remain in Texas, where he contends it will be easier for
him to prepare for his defense with his lawyers.
"For over one year after the events of January 6, 2021, the
government knew of Rhodes’ location at his residence in North
Texas and yet failed to detain him at any time," his attorneys
wrote in their brief.
Prosecutors are expected to argue that Rhodes poses a risk of
flight and a threat.
"He possesses the willingness and capacity to continue to engage
in criminal conduct," they wrote.
(Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch; Editing by Mark Heinrich)
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