Feds want Edgewater man to spend a year in prison for role in Capitol riot

Howard Adams’ attorney claims sentence too harsh

Howard Adams, 62 (Copyright 2022 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Federal prosecutors want a Volusia County man to spend a year in prison for his role in the Capitol Hill riot.

Howard Adams was arrested in 2021 after someone recognized him in video shown on Inside Edition seen on News 6 and called the FBI.

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Adams pleaded guilty to civil disorder in January as part of a plea agreement with federal prosecutors.

According to new court filings, prosecutors are asking a federal judge to sentence Adams to one year, one month in prison and three years supervised release. They are also asking for Adams to pay $2,000 in restitution and a $100 special assessment.

Federal investigators said this man is Volusia County resident Howard Adams, who was charged for his connection to the riots on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. (Courtesy Inside Edition / Copyright 2021 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.)

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Adams’ attorney fired back in a separate court filing.

Gregory S. Smith claimed the recommended sentence is too harsh.

He said Adams does not deny that he participated in the “events of January 6,” but he claimed Adams was not violent.

“Caught up in the moment, he also did cheer on certain activities taking place,” Smith wrote. “But what he did not do is ever engage in any fighting, despite opportunities to do so.”

Adams, who declared himself a state nationalist, had one time refused to attend virtual court hearings, according to court documents, which resulted in his re-arrest in December.

At that time, a federal judge ordered him held in jail.

He was released from jail on January on the condition he return for sentencing on March 31.

Sentencing has now been rescheduled for April 13.

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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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