Trump commutes sentences of Jan. 6 rioters, including Newburgh man

News & Updates Stand Alones

By Justin Rodriguez, for MidHudson News

A former Newburgh tattoo artist is one of approximately 1,500 Jan. 6 rioters who President Donald Trump pardoned on his first day of office.

The sentences of 14 people, including Roberto Minuta were communicated. Minuta, a member of the far-right Oath Keepers, was sentenced to 54 months in prison followed by 36 months of supervised release in June of 2023 on seditious conspiracy and other charges for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol four years ago.

According to prosecutors, Minuta entered the Capitol during the insurrection wearing tactical gear, ballistic goggles, carrying a can of bear spray, and wearing a radio earpiece, indicating he was communicating with others participating in the riot. For his role in the riot, Minuta was also convicted of, among other crimes, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of an official proceeding, and conspiracy to prevent Members of Congress from discharging their official duties.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, more than 100 law enforcement officers were injured during the riot. Minuta was reportedly at the Capitol as a bodyguard for Roger Stone, former President Donald Trump’s political ally. Minuta’s address was listed in Prosper, Texas when he was sentenced.

It was unclear when Minuta and the other offenders would be released, but President Trump said on Monday night that he hoped it was as early as that evening.