Capitol Cop Michael Angelo Riley Arrested for Pushing Jan. 6 Rioter to Scrub Damning Facebook Posts, Feds Say

A 25-year veteran of the Capitol Police Division faces expenses for allegedly encouraging a Jan. 6 rioter to cowl his tracks on social media after the revolt.

Michael Angelo Riley, who joined the power devoted to defending the US Capitol in 1996, has been indicted and arrested on two counts of obstruction of justice after telling one among his Fb associates to delete incriminating photographs that confirmed the pal contained in the Capitol on Jan. 6, federal prosecutors alleged.

The indictment unsealed Friday states that Riley, who works within the USCP’s Okay-9 unit, was on responsibility through the Jan. 6 revolt however was not stationed on the Capitol. The 50-year-old was one of many officers who “responded to stories of an explosive gadget close to the Capitol complicated” on the Democratic Nationwide Committee and the Republican Nationwide Committee workplaces.

“Im [sic] a capitol police officer who agrees along with your political stance [sic],” Riley wrote in a Fb message to the rioter, according to the indictment. “Take down the half about being within the constructing they’re presently investigating and everybody who was within the constructing goes to be charged. Simply looking!”

Prosecutors allege that Riley and the unnamed rioter turned Fb associates 5 days earlier than the revolt. Whereas they “didn’t know one another… each have been avid fisherman and members of fishing-related Fb teams.”

Two legislation enforcement officers confirmed to The Every day Beast that the unnamed rioter, recognized in court papers as “Person 1,” is Jacob Hiles, who was arrested in January after he allegedly stormed the Capitol in a sweatshirt emblazoned with “FUCK ANTIFA.” The Virginia constitution boat operator pleaded responsible final month to illegally parading within the Capitol and shall be sentenced in December.

The day after lots of of MAGA rioters stormed the Capitol in an try and cease Congress’ certification of the Electoral School vote for President Joe Biden, Riley messaged his new Fb good friend about his posts from inside the federal government constructing, the indictment states. Among the many photographs have been “selfie-type pictures, movies, and different commentary on Fb admitting his presence and conduct” through the revolt.

After Riley’s preliminary message encouraging the rioter to take down the posts, prosecutors allege they exchanged “dozens extra Fb direct messages,” through which the rioter additionally shared three movies from inside and out of doors the Capitol.

“I get it…it was a complete shit present!!! Simply wished to provide you a heads up…I’m glad you bought out of there unscathed,” Riley advised the rioter. “We had over 50 officers harm, some fairly dangerous.”

In actuality, in line with the Capitol Police Union, over 140 officers were injured during the siege, starting from burns to rib fractures to lacerations. Dozens of rioters have been charged with violently attacking officers with bear spray, police riot chiefs, and even flag poles.

Regardless of all that, the rioter advised Riley that “he didn’t assume he had carried out something fallacious,” in line with the indictment. The Capitol cop allegedly replied: “The one factor I can see is in the event you went within the [sic] constructing and so they have proof you can be charged. You would all the time articulate that you just had no the place to go, however thats for courtroom.”

“Dont sweat it, they may select to solely cost sure folks and never everybody. Personally i [sic] dont kno what they’ve determined, simply know our guys and the FBI are going by way of every little thing,” Riley added.

Riley and the rioter continued to speak for a number of days, the indictment states, even after information got here out about Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick’s loss of life. Prosecutors state that on Jan. 9, one other particular person contacted Riley concerning the rioter, sharing his Fb livestream that confirmed he’d been “smoking an unknown substance” contained in the constructing.

“Yep I do know…,” Riley answered, in line with the indictment.

On Jan. 13, after frequent communication, Riley suggested his new good friend to “get off of social media.” Days later, the rioter allegedly despatched Riley a information article indicating that he had been charged for his position within the siege, alongside the caption “faux information.”

“Theyre [sic] arresting dozens of individuals aday. Everybody that was within the constructing, engaged in violent acts, or destruction of property…and theyre all being charged federally with felonies,” Riley stated, earlier than giving his cellphone quantity to debate the matter additional.

After a 23-minute cellphone name, prosecutors state the rioter advised two different those that he had spoken to “capitol police” and that he was assured that he was solely going to be charged with trespassing. The indictment states that after the decision, Riley even advised the rioter that the following time he visits Washington, D.C, he may “keep at my home on the shore free of charge and produce your daughter to the museums.”

“If you wish to see the capitol constructing, lets [sic] do it legally subsequent time…I do know a man who can get you a tour…lol,” Riley stated. “Its behind you now…lessoned discovered! Simply ask your legal professional whats subsequent.”

On Jan. 19, the rioter was arrested for his position within the riots. Throughout his interview with federal authorities, the rioter stated he had been talking with Riley—an admission he later shared with the Capitol cop.

“That’s superb,” Riley stated, earlier than allegedly deleting all his Fb messages with the rioter.

In a press release to The Every day Beast, Capitol Police Chief Tom Supervisor known as the allegations in opposition to his officer “very critical” and revealed that his division was notified of the investigation “a number of weeks in the past.” On Friday, Riley was positioned on administrative depart pending the completion of the investigation.