In DC Insurrection Case Daniel Adams of Texas Is Now Released As DOJ Obstruction Argument Fails
DDC Judge Paul Friedman also denied DOJ request to stay his release order, saying after the Munchel appeals decision it's unlikely two Circuit judges would agree to detain Adams
By Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon PodcastSong
BBC - Guardian UK - Honduras - ESPN
FEDERAL COURT, April 9 – Minutes into a break in the impeachment trial in the U.S. Senate, accused insurrectionist Domenic Pezzola was ordered detained until trial by Magistrate Judge Robin M. Meriweather. Inner City Press live tweeted it, below. There was an appeal.
Now on April 9, after the DC Circuit's decision in US v. Munchel,
Judge Paul L. Friedman held a proceeding on and with defendant Daniel Page Adams, and released him on conditions. Inner City Press live tweeted it, here:
On Adams, the Assistant US Attorney says he was willing to obstruct Congress, so he would obstruct this case.
Judge Friedman: By that logic, all participants on Jan 6 would be detained.
AUSA: We distinguish misdemeanors. Judge: You're not asking to detain for all charged felonies.
Note: New DOJ strategy - call acts on Jan 6, at the Capitol, obstruction. After the Circuit's decision in Munchel, their arguments are getting more and more twisted. Still, some judges detain #insurrectionBlues defendants like Jeffrey Sabol yesterday
AUSA: At first, we only had evidence of Mr. Adams leadership role. Now on co-defendant Connell, we know more. Defense: I'm here to discuss, Is he going to break the law, and is he going to come to court. I have no discovery yet.
Defense: His cousin Mister Connell (pronounces it "cunn-el," asks judge to take judicial notice) was more involved in taking it to the next step. His messages, We will be back and it will be a lot worse.
Defense: My client's wife has book a flight to DC at 9:10 pm to pick him up. Mr. Adams doesn't want her to fly yet, to not go home empty handed. Judge: We may or may not get to that later. Inner City Press @innercitypress · 22m Defense: I'm not interested in blaming the jail. But if you leave him in there, it has had a severe impact on my client's mental health. I've had death penalty clients who were treated better.
Judge Friedman: I've read your sealed pleading. [Inner City Press: I haven't. Why not just redact parts of it?] AUSA: Adams' resume has a quote, Integrity is doing the right thing when no one is looking. He did the wrong thing when everyone was looking. Detain him
Judge: Are all Jan 6 defendants in 23 hour a day lock down? Defense: They are all in "C-2-A" and "C-2-B." Except for one defendant who is in Alexandria, for his vegan diet. [ #QAnonShaman!]
Judge Paul L. Friedman: We are having a meeting about the jail conditions next week. It may be that some of those arrested on Jan 6 were white supremacists. And other prisoners in the DC jail are largely black. Maybe that's why lock down, and mental health
Defense: He could get work on a refinery in the Beaumont, Texas area. His house is just north of Houston. So he could be limited to southTexas. My client would like to tell you his wife cries every night, that's why he wants to be release. You see? He's nodding.
AUSA: I understand it's tough on his family. But that's why you don't come to the Capitol and assault police. I can read the tea leaves, I see where this is going. But if you have any questions... Judge Friedman: Thanks for discussing obstruction.
Judge Friedman: I am going to release him on conditions.
Judge Friedman: He's not a part of the Oath Keepers or the Proud Boys or any right wing organization that he know of. He didn't carry or use a dangerous weapon. He didn't coordinate with others prior to the riot.
Judge Friedman: He didn't stay long in the Capitol. But he did "assault and impede" officers, it is alleged. That argues in favor of detention. But he has 32 letters, no criminal history, strong ties to the community, a job waiting, guns were legal.
Judge Friedman: I don't see the risk of violence. It is not articulated. The case is stronger against Mr. Connell [who is not detained]. So I don't see the danger to the community. The mob was going regardless of what he said or did. Under the Munchel decision, I am releasing him on conditions.
AUSA: Will the court stay its decision until Monday so we can appeal.
Defense: We oppose that.
Judge: I'm going to deny the motion for a stay.
Defense: Please add a condition, no contact with Mr. Connell. It's his cousin.
Judge: Let's do that.
Judge Friedman: I took the request for a stay seriously. But after the Munchel decision, I think it is unlikely you would get two judges on the Circuit to agree with you to detain. It's a Friday and it would be good to get this resolved.
We will have more on this.
Inner City Press live tweeted Riley June Williams on January 25, here.
InnerCityPress · Jeffrey Sabol, insurrection Blues III, by Matthew Russell Lee
From January 22, song here: Thread here.
InnerCityPress · Insurrection Blues, by Matthew Russell Lee
Inner City Press' John Earle Sullivan song on SoundCloud here.
InnerCityPress · John Sullivan Insurrection Blues II by Matthew Russell Lee
***
Your support means a lot. As little as $5 a month helps keep us going and grants you access to exclusive bonus material on our Patreon page. Click here to become a patron.