In a recent development regarding the case of Gravette man Richard “Bigo” Barnett charged in the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riot, U.S. District Judge Christopher R. Cooper has ordered a recalculation of sentencing guidelines. This indicates that Barnett may be released from prison earlier than expected, assuming an appeals court vacates his obstruction conviction.
Barnett, known for a photo in which he posed in Nancy Pelosi’s Capitol office, argued that a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling should nullify his obstruction conviction. While other convictions still affect his 4.5-year prison sentence, his attorney believes he may already be serving more time than necessary pending the outcome of his appeal.
The prosecution argues that Barnett poses a safety risk given the current political climate, a concern Barnett has disputed by offering to stay away from Washington, D.C. if required. Despite not being charged with violent acts during the riot, he did bring a stun gun into the Capitol.
The judge’s order was issued with no explanation, instructing the probation office to update Barnett’s sentencing guidelines by August 16. Barnett, currently serving time in Texas with a scheduled release date of Oct. 15, 2026, faced multiple felony charges related to his actions during the Capitol riot.
Overall, the recent development suggests that Barnett’s obstruction conviction may be overturned on appeal, potentially leading to an earlier release from prison.
Source
Photo credit arktimes.com