Ohio Man Pleads Guilty to Felony and Misdemeanor Charges for Actions During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

            WASHINGTON – An Ohio man pleaded guilty on Oct. 8, 2024, to felony and misdemeanor charges related to his conduct during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

            Dustin Martin, 30, of Grove City, Ohio, pleaded guilty to a felony charge of civil disorder and a misdemeanor charge of disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds before U.S. District Judge Loren L. AliKhan. Judge AliKhan will sentence Martin on Feb. 7, 2025.

            According to court documents, on Jan. 6, 2021, Martin and a friend - Cody Lee Tippett - arrived in Washington, D.C., from Columbus, Ohio, and made their way to the Ellipse to attend the former president's speech. After the speech, Martin and Tippett walked from the Ellipse to the U.S. Capitol, arriving on the west side of Capitol grounds by at least 1:30 p.m. Martin then approached the Lower West Terrace, where he observed a crowd of people standing across from a line of bike rack barricades and police officers behind them, some dressed in riot gear.

            At approximately l:36 p.m., several rioters in Martin's vicinity began to push against one of the barricades. As officers fought to prevent rioters from breaking the police line, Martin walked forward and joined with the rioters, leaning forward, bracing himself against those in front of him, and using his body weight to help push the barricade against the police officers on the other side. Court documents say that the group, including Martin, pushed the barricade directly into the officers, forcing them several feet back and requiring a dozen officers to drive the crowd back. The tussle caused Martin to fall, after which he retreated into the crowd.

            Later, at about 1:50 p.m., rioters on the Lower West Terrace pushed a line of police officers up a set of stairs leading to the Upper West Terrace of the Capitol. Other rioters, including Martin and Tippett, followed that group of rioters up onto the stairs. However, another police line prevented the crowd from advancing further up the stairs. At approximately 2:10 p.m., the rioters again pushed past the police line on the steps and gained access to the Capitol building for the first time that day. Martin and Tippett followed.

            At approximately 2:15 p.m., Martin and Tippett entered the Capitol building via the Senate Wing Door. Inside, Martin and Tippett walked to the Crypt and Capitol Visitor's Center before exiting the building at about 2:57 p.m. Martin and Tippett remained on the Upper West Terrace, the area immediately outside the building, for nearly an hour.

            That day, Martin posted pictures, videos, and written descriptions on Facebook illustrating his participation in the riot at the Capitol. In one post, he included a photo of himself and Tippett inside the Capitol and wrote, "Trump 2021!!!" In another post, he included a photo of himself outside the Capitol and a video of rioters on the Upper West Terrace of the Capitol, writing, "So now I can say I've been hit with rubber bullets, bear mace, pepper spray, teargas, and wrestle with Capital Police f— yeah 'America B— I'll do it all over again too!"

            The FBI arrested Martin on June 21, 2023, in Ohio.

            Cody Lee Tippet was previously sentenced to 30 days in prison for his role in the events of January 6^th.

            The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section prosecuted this case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio provided valuable assistance.

            This case was investigated by the FBI’s Cincinnati and Washington Field Offices. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

            In the 45 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,532 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 571 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.

            Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.