Life After J6 Trial: William Watson

William Watson had the unfornate privilege to have Judge Reggis Walton for his case. Judge Walton is well-known for his egregious comments about Trump Supporters he called Nazis. It seems that this in itself should be enough to recuse himself. Some even argue that his remarks are ground for him to be disbared.

The DOJ documents stipulate that William Watson, 25, of Auburn, Alabama, was found guilty of obstruction of an official proceeding and entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds with a dangerous weapon. Judge Reggie B. Walton returned the verdict after a trial in which Watson and the government agreed upon a stipulated set of facts regarding his conduct.

It is unfortunate that William agreed to a crime he did not commit. Reviewing video evidence we see that William Watson was with Jacob Chanceley, also known as the Q Shaman, and was asking people including the police to remain calm. Contrary to what the charge describes, William did not shred any documents. The application of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1512(c) (2), 2 (Obstruction of an Official Proceeding) has been deemed unsuitable for January 6th cases by Judge Nichols. This decision by Judge Nichols was later challenged by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the court agreed. Presently, Jake Lang, one of the defendants in Judge Nichols’s cases involving 1512, is contesting this recent ruling and has petitioned the Supreme Court to review the appelate court’s decision.

It is crucial to emphasize that this charge has granted judges the discretion to impose lengthy sentences on individuals whose sole transgression was being present at the Capitol to voice their grievances. All the defendants linked to the events of January 6th who have faced this charge are eagerly awaiting a decision on whether the Supreme Court will take up Jake Lang’s case. Given President George Bush’s concerns about the potential misuse of this charge in the future, there is an expectation that the Supreme Court will act in accordance with justice and opt to consider the case. Ultimately, it is hoped that the court will affirm Judge Nichols’s interpretation of the law as accurate.

William is currently serving his sentence (see below) at FCI Yazoo City Low in Mississippi. Please pray for him to be release soon and for the Supreme Court to uphold Judge’s Nichols interpretation of 1512(c)(2).

Charges
18 U.S.C. §§ 1512(c) (2), 2 (Obstruction of an Official Proceeding)
18 U.S.C. §§ 1361, 2 (Destruction of Government Property)
18 U.S.C. §§ 1752(a)(1) and (b)(1)(A) (Entering and Remaining in a Restricted Building or Grounds with a Deadly or Dangerous Weapon)
18 U.S.C. §§ 1752(a) (2) and (b) (1)(A) (Disorderly and Disruptive Conduct in a Restricted Building or Grounds with a Deadly or Dangerous Weapon)
18 U.S.C. §§ 1752(a)(4) and (b)(1)(A) (Engaging in Physical Violence in a Restricted Building or Grounds with a Deadly or Dangerous Weapon)
40 U.S.C. § 5104(e) (2)(D) (Disorderly Conduct in a Capitol Building)
40 U.S.C. § 5104(e) (2)(F) (Act of Physical Violence in the Capitol Grounds or Buildings
40 U.S.C. § 5104(e) (2)(G) (Parading, Demonstrating, or Picketing in a Capitol Building)

Sentence
Defendant sentenced to Thirty-Six (36) Months of incarceration with credit for time served on Counts 1 and 3 to run concurrently to each other followed by Three (3) Years of Supervised Release on Counts 1 and 3 to run concurrently to each other.
Special Assessment of $100 for each count, for a total of $200. Defense counsel may submit additional information for the Court to consider regarding the restitution amount. Government’s oral motion to dismiss the remaining counts; heard and granted. Bond Status of Defendant: remains Committed