Washington dc – A West Virginia woman admitted Monday to court that she entered the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021 and picked up a “Members Only” Senate poster as former President Trump supporters looted the Capitol and attempted to stop certification of Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 election. The sign is typically used to mark restricted public access areas to the building.
Gracyn Courtright pleaded guilty to a felony of entering and remaining illegally and knowingly in a restricted building and land Monday as part of a lawsuit agreement with prosecutors. The government agreed to dismiss four additional charges against Courtright for his alleged involvement in the January 6 attack.
According to court documents, a social media account that no longer exists allegedly belonged to Courtright, contained several photos of the Jan. 6 riot with captions that said “I can’t wait to tell my grandchildren I was here.” and “Infamy is as good as fame. Either way, I end up being better known.”
Of the criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court
By appearing virtually before Judge Christopher Cooper, the University of Kentucky student now seemed uncomfortable with his notoriety, describing himself as “unstable.” Asked how she defended the indictment, Courtright looked tearful when she replied, “I plead guilty.”
The misdemeanor for which Courtright pleaded guilty carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison. Judge Cooper will impose his sentence in November and, although he said he hoped to do so in a face-to-face hearing, unlike the virtual proceedings the Court has conducted because of the Covid-19 pandemic, Courtright’s vaccination status may alter these plans.
His lawyer told the court that his client and family “are not vaccinated and do not intend to be vaccinated.” When Judge Cooper asked him if his vaccination status could change before sentencing, he simply replied, “Probably not, your honor.”