Orlando ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ performer wearing Michael Jackson jacket accused of storming Capitol

James Beeks’ arrest marks 26th in Central Florida

FBI investigators said this photo showing an exposed ear on Jan. 6 helped link them to James Beeks of Orlando. (Courtesy: FBI) (Copyright 2021 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.)

MILWAUKEE, Wisc. – An Orlando performer currently starring in a touring company of Jesus Christ Superstar has now been indicted by a federal grand jury for his involvement in the Capitol Hill attack.

FBI agents arrested James Delisco Beeks, 48, in Milwaukee on Nov. 23 just as the musical was set to open in the city.

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According to court documents, investigators believe Beeks was a paid member of the group The Oath Keepers, and he joined other Florida members of the group on Jan. 6 in Washington, D.C.

They claim he was part of a group that joined in a military-style “stack formation” and charged their way into the Capitol Rotunda.

Investigators said they identified Beeks using his exposed ear in one of the pictures and comparing it to a picture of him.

They also said his Michael Jackson jacket, which reads “Bad” on the left chest, was an identifier.

FBI investigators said this photo showed Beeks wearing the Michael Jackson jacket seen at the Capitol (Courtesy: FBI) (Copyright 2021 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.)

They said according to Beeks’ social media accounts, he is also a Michael Jackson impersonator.

According to court records, Beeks was allowed to walk out of the federal courthouse in Milwaukee with a list of restrictions.

He was later ordered to surrender his passport and wear a GPS monitor.

On Dec. 1, a federal grand jury indicted Beeks on five charges, including conspiracy to delay the certification of the election, obstruction of an official proceeding, destruction of property, entering a restricted building and civil disorder.

Beeks’ arrest marks the 26th Central Florida arrest linked to the Capitol Hill attack.


About the Author

Erik Sandoval joined the News 6 team as a reporter in May 2013 and became an Investigator in 2020. During his time at News 6, Erik has covered several major stories, including the 2016 Presidential campaign. He was also one of the first reporters live on the air at the Pulse Nightclub shooting.

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