Judge to reopen David DePape’s sentencing due to error

By Better Today On May 20, 2024

TL/DR –

David DePape was sentenced to 20 years for attempting to kidnap Nancy Pelosi and 30 years for assaulting her husband, Paul Pelosi. However, District Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley is reopening the sentencing hearing because she failed to allow DePape to make a statement before being sentenced, as required by law. DePape’s defense attorneys appealed the verdict and have until May 28 to respond to her order to re-open the sentencing hearing.

Sentencing hearing to be reopened for man guilty of breaking into Nancy Pelosi’s home

A federal judge has decided to reopen the sentencing hearing for David DePape, guilty of breaking into the home of Nancy Pelosi, the Speaker of the House, bludgeoning her husband with a hammer. Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley acknowledged her “clear error” in not allowing DePape to present a statement before being sentenced, as required by law.

DePape was sentenced to 20 years for attempting to kidnap Nancy Pelosi, and 30 years for the assault on Paul Pelosi, to be served concurrently. However, after the hearing, prosecutors noted the court’s failure to offer DePape an opportunity to speak or present mitigating information. A new hearing has been scheduled for May 28th.

In response to the prosecutor’s motion, DePape’s defense opposed bringing their client back to court. His defense lawyers have until Wednesday to respond to the judge’s order to reopen the hearing.

DePape was found guilty of attempted kidnapping of a federal official and assault on a federal official’s immediate family member, and prosecutors had requested for a 40-year prison term. The brutal attack on Paul Pelosi was captured on police body camera video and sent shockwaves through the political world.

DePape admitted during trial that he intended to hold the speaker hostage and force her to confess to corruption. He also admitted to attacking Paul Pelosi with a hammer when police arrived. DePape, originally from Canada, revealed his belief in the baseless QAnon conspiracy theory during the trial.

Upon completing his sentence, DePape will be deported by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.