Virginia Man Arrested on Felony Charge For Actions During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

            WASHINGTON — A Virginia man was arrested this morning on felony and misdemeanor charges, including civil disorder, for his actions during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. 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 presidential election.

            Robert William DeGregoris, 32, of Aldie, Virginia, is charged in a criminal complaint filed in the District of Columbia with civil disorder, a felony, and four misdemeanors including: entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds; engaging in physical violence in a restricted building or grounds; and impeding passage through the Capitol grounds or buildings. He had an initial appearance today in the District of Columbia.

            According to court documents, DeGregoris was seen in images and videos at or near an entrance to the U.S. Capitol building on the Lower West Terrace, referred to as “the tunnel.” DeGregoris arrived at the tunnel at approximately 4:01 p.m., when the mob’s attack on the police had been underway for at least an hour. DeGregoris joined the group of rioters in their efforts to breach the police line and gain entrance to the U.S. Capitol, including by pushing against officers. Despite being sprayed with Oleoresin Capsieum (“OC”) spray, DeGregoris remained in the area near the tunnel and, as depicted in CCTV footage, continued to push with other rioters against the police front line for several more minutes. During this time, he also assisted other rioters in their efforts to breach the entrance to the U.S. Capitol by, among other things, helping to push a ladder toward the police line.

            This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.

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

            In the 24 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 950 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including over 284 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.

A complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.