Former U.S. Olympic swimmer Klete Keller has been sentenced to 36 months of probation and six months of home detention after pleading guilty to a federal felony in connection with the U.S. Capitol riot. Keller, a two-time gold medalist, was spared prison time and has been ordered to perform 10 hours of community service monthly.
The Olympian was captured in Capitol rotunda videos wearing a Team USA jacket amid the pro-Trump mob on January 6, 2021. Initially indicted on seven federal counts, Keller reached a plea deal, pleading guilty to obstructing an official proceeding, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in jail.
You can see a news report about Keller's sentencing below.
Former Olympian sentenced for Jan. 6 riotwww.youtube.com
Federal prosecutors recommended 10 months in prison, citing Keller's actions as "unconscionable" and a "stain" on the country's narrative. However, considering his cooperation and remorse, his defense urged for a lighter sentence. Prosecutors argued that probation would send the wrong message to the public.
They wrote:
"A former Olympian with an opportunity to see up close America's ideals and represent its position in the world, Keller was in a unique position to know better."
"He should be punished, and his punishment should include imprisonment. But he has also shown genuine remorse and, more importantly, he has tried to right his wrong for nearly three years."
In response, Keller's defense highlighted his three years of pre-trial detention and his status as a convicted felon. They emphasized his remorse and stated he had been a "flawless probationer."
During the sentencing, Judge Richard Leon acknowledged Keller's genuine remorse and exceptional cooperation with the government, justifying the probationary sentence. He urged Keller to share his experiences with young adults and encouraged his success going forward.
In a letter dated January 23, 2023, Keller expressed deep regret and took responsibility for his actions. He admitted to unlawfully entering the Capitol and influencing Congress's Electoral College vote certification. Keller acknowledged setting a poor example for his admirers, especially as a former Olympian.
He wrote:
"I stand before you feeling ashamed and profoundly embarrassed. On January 6, 2021, I unlawfully entered the United States Capitol Building and demonstrated without permission. I am ashamed to admit that I wanted to interrupt and influence Congress's certification of the Electoral College vote."
"As a former member of the United States Olympic Swimming Team, my behavior set a terrible example for young people who looked up to me. I take full responsibility for my inexcusable actions. I will accept my punishment with humility and serve my sentence in peace."
But many weren't buying it—and condemned Keller's actions.
Prosecutors highlighted Keller's participation in the mob, chanting expletives directed at lawmakers, particularly Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. He retreated only after law enforcement intervened, disposing of his Olympic jacket and destroying his phone.
They noted that Keller had once "stood on the world's brightest stage as a representative of the United States" and that Keller himself acknowledged that he had now "stood in the middle of the Capitol and sang the national anthem -- this time with alarms and pepper spray in the air, injured officers and rioters on the ground, and an election on the brink."
Keller, who now works in commercial real estate, said he hopes his story "serves as a warning to anyone who rationalizes illegal conduct, especially in a moment of political fervor."
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