TAMPA, Fla — Six more people affiliated with the far-right anti-government organization known as the Oath Keepers were indicted by a Federal Grand Jury Friday for conspiracy to obstruct Congress on Jan. 6, the Department of Justice says.
Three people indicted are from Florida, according to a release.
According to the DOJ, Graydon Young, 54, of Englewood was arrested Monday in Tampa, and 53-year-old Kelly Meggs and 59-year-old Connie Meggs of Dunnellon were arrested Wednesday in Ocala.
Three other individuals, 52-year-old Laura Steele, 62-year-old Sandra Ruther Parker and 70-year-old Bennie Alvin Parker were also arrested this week in different parts of the country.
The release says Kelly Meggs is the "self-described leader" of the Oath Keepers' Florida chapter. Connie Meggs, Steele and Young are allegedly members of that chapter, according to the release.
The DOJ says all six were added as co-defendants to a "superseding indictment" filed called "United States v. Thomas Caldwell, Donovan Crowl, and Jessica Watkins."
According to the indictment, Kelly and Connie Meggs, Young, Steele and Sandra Parker wore paramilitary gear and joined Watkins and Crowl in "a military-style 'stack' formation that marched up the center steps to the east side of the U.S. Capitol breached the door at the top, and then stormed the building."
A total of nine people have been added as defendants to the indictment so far, the DOJ says. All have been charged with one count of conspiring to commit an offense against the U.S., one count of depredation against federal government property and unlawful entry, disorderly conduct or violent conduct.
Bennie Parker and Caldwell are charged with obstructing the investigation.
The DOJ says the indictment alleges Kelly Meggs wrote in a December Facebook message “Trump said It’s gonna be wild!!!!!!! It’s gonna be wild!!!!!!! He wants us to make it WILD that’s what he’s saying. He called us all to the Capitol and wants us to make it wild!!! Sir Yes Sir!!! Gentlemen we are heading to DC pack your s***!!” He allegedly went on to state, “[W]e will have at least 50-100 OK there.”
Young allegedly arranged for firearm and combat training by a Florida company around the same time, according to the indictment.
Sandra and Bennie Parker allegedly traveled with Watkins and Crowl from Ohio to Washington, D.C. and Bennie Parker allegedly communicated "extensively" with Watkins about potentially joining her militia and combining forces on Jan. 6, the indictment says.
The release says Kelly Meggs also allegedly said his group wouldn't need to be armed for the attack on the U.S. Capitol because there would be a "heavy QRF 10 Min out[.]" This allegedly referred to "quick reaction force," a law enforcement and military term for an armed unit "capable of rapidly responding to developing situations," according to the DOJ.
The DOJ says the indictment alleges and charges Caldwell and Young of tampering with documents or "proceedings" by unsending and deleting Facebook content after the events of the attack on the U.S. Capitol.
The FBI says it is still looking for anyone who may have incited or promoted violence of any kind in relation to the U.S. Capitol attack. Anyone with tips or "digital material" are asked to call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or send photos or video online here.
- Research shows vaccinating younger people could slow the spread of COVID-19
- Ivanka Trump tells Rubio she won't run for his Senate seat
- 2 women dressed up as 'grannies' to get COVID-19 vaccine, Florida health official says
- 'The decline is real': Here are the 4 reasons COVID-19 cases could be dropping so quickly in Florida
►Breaking news and weather alerts: Get the free 10 Tampa Bay app
►Stay In the Know! Sign up now for the Brightside Blend Newsletter
