WASHINGTON — A 40-year-old Orlando Marine Corps veteran has been sentenced to six months incarceration for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, riots at the U.S. Capitol, court documents show.
Robert Flynt Fairchild Jr., pleaded guilty in May to a felony county of civil disorder.
According to information from the U.S. Department of Justice, Fairchild actively participated in the riots, going so far as to help wrest at least two police barricades from officers trying to maintain a security perimeter.
During the confrontation, investigators said Fairchild made contact with at least one of the officers before ultimately entering the Capitol through the Senate Wing Door, where he stayed for several minutes before leaving the building.
He had been facing up to five years in prison and a $200,000 fine in the case.
In a memorandum filed by Fairchild's attorney ahead of his sentencing, the accused expressed regret for his actions.
"He knows his actions on January 6th were wrong and that he should never have entered the Capitol grounds on that day," his attorney wrote. "Regrettably for Fairchild, because of his actions, he will now be a convicted felon and will not be able to vote, serve on a jury or possess a firearm."
"He is ashamed of his behavior that day," the filing continued. "He has accepted responsibility for his actions and stands ready to accept his punishment."
Fairchild is one of more than 800 people who have been arrested in all 50 states in connection to crimes related to the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riots, prosecutors said.