Marine Sentenced to Probation and Community Service for Role in Capitol Siege
Dodge Hellonen, one of three active-duty Marines who participated in the storming of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, has been sentenced to probation and 279 hours of community service. U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes expressed her disbelief at Hellonen’s violation of his oath to protect the Constitution and urged him to reflect on his actions to prevent a similar incident from occurring in the future.
Hellonen, now 24 years old, was the first of the three Marines to face punishment for his involvement in the Capitol siege. Sentencing for his co-defendants Micah Coomer and Joshua Abate is scheduled for later this week.
The three Marines, who were friends from the same unit, traveled together from a military post in Virginia to Washington, D.C. on January 6. They joined the crowd that stormed the Capitol after then-President Donald Trump encouraged his supporters to “fight like hell” during his “Stop the Steal” rally near the White House.
Before handing down Hellonen’s sentence, Judge Reyes emphasized the sacrifices made by Marines throughout American history. She recited the number of casualties from past wars, including the Civil War, to underscore the gravity of their actions.
Prosecutors had recommended short terms of incarceration for Hellonen and his co-defendants, along with community service. They noted that the defendants’ military service, though commendable, made their conduct all the more troubling.
In her decision, Judge Reyes agreed with the prosecution’s assessment that Hellonen’s active-duty status as a Marine should not result in a more lenient sentence. However, she ultimately opted to spare him from prison time and instead sentenced him to four years of probation. Reyes cited Hellonen’s positive attitude and strong work ethic even after being demoted following the January 6 attack.
Hellonen, Coomer, and Abate had previously pleaded guilty to charges of parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building, a misdemeanor similar to trespassing. While none of them engaged in violence or destruction during the riot, prosecutors noted their lack of sincere remorse.
The Capitol siege led to the arrests of more than 600 individuals on federal charges, with over 100 of them having served in the U.S. military. Hellonen’s arrest took place at his residence in Jacksonville, North Carolina, while Coomer and Abate were apprehended in California and Maryland, respectively.
Although the three Marines are still on active-duty status, they could face separation from the Marine Corps with less than honorable conditions, according to prosecutors. Hellonen has already received separation paperwork, while Coomer’s possible separation is pending a decision. Abate remains enlisted as of September 1.
Hellonen, a Michigan native, held the rank of sergeant and worked as a signals intelligence analyst at the Marine Corps Information Operations Center. His attorney, Halerie Costello, acknowledged that he deeply regrets his decision to enter the Capitol on January 6.
The sentencing of Hellonen and his co-defendants serves as a reminder of the consequences faced by those involved in the Capitol siege. As the legal proceedings continue, the justice system seeks to hold individuals accountable for their actions and deter future acts of insurrection.
Original Story at www.ny1.com – 2023-09-11 18:28:00
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