Two Florida Men Plead Guilty to Charges For Actions During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

One Defendant Admits Guilt To Felony of Civil Disorder

            WASHINGTON – Two Florida men pleaded guilty today to charges for their actions during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Their 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.

            Julio Baquero, 38, and Louis Valentin, 37, both of Hollywood, Florida, pleaded guilty in the District of Columbia. Baquero pleaded guilty to the felony charge of civil disorder; Valentin pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor charge of parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building. Both defendants are scheduled to be sentenced on May 22, 2023.

            According to court documents, on Jan. 6, 2021, Baquero and Valentin traveled to Washington, DC, where they entered the Capitol. CCTV from the Capitol during the Riots shows that after Baquero and Valentin entered the Capitol, they walked to the Rotunda. At approximately 3:00 p.m., U.S. Capitol Police and Metropolitan Police Department Officers began efforts to clear the rioters from the Rotunda. CCTV and body-worn camera from MPD Officers show that at approximately 3:04 p.m., Baquero physically resisted officers attempting to clear the rioters out of the Rotunda. During the confrontation, Baquero grabbed at officers and, at one point, grabbed the hand of an MPD Officer who was holding a police baton.

            Body worn camera footage shows that at approximately 3:05 p.m., Baquero confronted MPD and USCP officers attempting to clear the Rotunda, shouting “You’re a traitor!” CCTV shows that by approximately 3:14 p.m., Baquero and Valentin had been forced out of the Rotunda by law enforcement, through the east door of the Rotunda. From approximately 3:14 p.m. to approximately 3:19 p.m., Baquero stood outside the east door to the Rotunda while USCP officers were attempting to close the east doors of the Rotunda in order to keep expelled rioters from reentering.

            At this time, Baquero rushed at the officers and attempted to push one of the Rotunda doors open. Baquero had to be pulled away by USCP officers and forcibly removed from the path of the door.

            The charge of civil disorder carries a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison; the charge of parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building carries a statutory maximum sentence of six months in prison. The charges also carry possible financial penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

            This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida.

            The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Miami and Washington Field Offices. Valuable assistance was provided by the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Capitol Police.

            In the 25 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 985 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including approximately 319 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing. 

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