In November, the jail cells had been a little more jammed thanks to two men. This was after they went to the Pennsylvania Convention Center, where votes famously counted during the 2020 presidential race. This was after their bail was increasing. It was because of their participation in the rally near the U.S. Capitol which turned deadly earlier this month.
The Two Men Didn’t Battle with Law Enforcement
Firstly, there is no evidence shown during last Friday’s contentious hearing that 42-year-old Joshua Macia and 61-year-old Antonio LaMotta entered the Capitol building. This was along with thousands of what is called “violent” supporters of former President Donald Trump. I don’t believe all or most were violent. They are passionate and enthusiastic champions of freedom. They battled with law enforcement and possibly ransacked offices.
What the Prosecutors Said
Secondly, video entrance had been seen by prosecutors. The two men were on the Capitol grounds and argued they violated their prior bail conditions.
The bail previously set for both men found growth by $750,000 by Common Pleas Court Judge Crystal Bryant-Powell. In addition, $100,000 came towards Macias and $15,000 to LaMotta.
Both men were ordering to jail until they pay at least 10% of the new increases. On Sunday, court records listed both as still confined.
Defense Attorneys Arguing on Behalf of Their Clients
Their clients have broken no laws. They were just on the Capitol grounds.
Defense attorneys argued that their clients broke no laws just by being on the Capitol grounds. They are pointing out that they have not been arrested by federal authorities.
However, a prosecutor is looking for revocation of their bail. They are arguing they traveling to Washington to help cause the riot.
Both Men Were Charged with Weapons Violations
In fact, the Virginia residents were in the past charged with weapons violations for guns they were carrying. Moreover, they walked to the convention center in the early morning hours of November 5th.
Prosecutors allege that they traveled to the city in a Hummer adorned with a QAnon sticker and packed with an AR-15-style rifle, ammunition, and other weapons.
The weapons counts against Macias would evaporate after some time. Since having a valid license to carry, although prosecutors plan on refiling them.
Furthermore, also later added election fraud charges. Moreover, both defendants are now facing charges of interfering with an election, conspiracy, and hindering performance of duty.