US Olympic Swimmer Klete Keller Pleads Guilty in Capitol Riot Case, Receives Suspended Sentence

Washinton-US- Former Olympic swimmer Klete Keller pleaded guilty to federal crimes on Friday, managing to avoid any prison time. The 41-year-old received a 36-month suspended sentence for his involvement in the Capitol riot. In addition to the suspended sentence, Keller was handed a six-month house arrest and was ordered to perform 10 hours of community service each month.

Keller, a two-time gold medalist, was among the early defendants to plead guilty to a felony charge in connection with the events of January 6. During the Capitol riot, he was spotted in the Capitol Rotunda wearing a Team USA jacket and surrounded by other professional members. The incident, captured on video, shows Donald Trump’s supporters being attacked. The sentencing reflects the enhanced scrutiny surrounding individuals involved in the Capitol breach.

Keller faced seven federal counts in the weeks following the attack. However, as part of a deal with prosecutors, he entered a guilty plea to a single count of obstructing an official proceeding. This charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in jail.

Federal prosecutors aimed for a 10-month prison sentence, emphasizing in a sentencing memorandum filed last month that Keller’s actions on January 6 were deemed “unconscionable” and would leave a lasting stain on the country’s narrative. Despite this, due to his substantial cooperation with the government after voluntarily surrendering and expressing genuine remorse for his conduct, prosecutors urged the judge to consider a significantly reduced prison sentence.

During the court proceedings on Friday, prosecutors contended that opting for probation would convey a message to the public that such actions could go unpunished. In response, the defense argued that Clete Keller had endured three years of “suffering” during pre-trial detention and highlighted that he is now a convicted felon for his actions. Keller’s attorney emphasized his client’s years of atonement and described him as a “flawless probationer.”

Judge Richard Leon expressed that this case didn’t fit a “one size fits all” approach, acknowledging Keller’s evident remorse. The defendant’s cooperation with the government was underscored during the hearing. Judge Leon, considering the circumstances, remarked, “If there was ever a case for probation, this is it.”

The judge conveyed his desire for Keller to speak to young adults about “how he learned from his mistakes” and encouraged him, saying, “I expect you to succeed.” Keller, expressing gratitude, assured, “Thank you, your honor, I will not let you down.”

During his address to the court, Keller acknowledged the criminal nature of his actions, took responsibility, and issued an apology to lawmakers and the American people. He explicitly condemned the violence of January 6, pledging to refrain from repeating such actions in the future.