Jan 6th Grandma Gets Shocking Sentence
Rebecca Lavrenz, a 72-year-old bed-and-breakfast owner from Colorado, is set to appeal a recent court decision that has imposed a six-month home confinement and a $103,000 fine following her involvement in the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021. Lavrenz, known online as the “J6 praying grandma,” was convicted on April 9 of three felonies, including disorderly conduct within the Capitol complex.
Despite the prosecution’s push for a ten-month prison sentence, U.S. Magistrate Judge Zia Faruqui decided to sentence Lavrenz to home confinement, citing concerns over her apparent exploitation of the situation through media appearances. The judge expressed that, while Lavrenz’s actions were less severe compared to others, they still undermined public trust in the justice system. In addition to the home confinement, Lavrenz faces a significant fine, aimed at addressing what Faruqui perceived as her profiting from her conviction.
Lavrenz has garnered over $230,000 through crowdfunding efforts, which she has largely used for legal fees and a speaking tour. Her attorney, Roger Roots, has criticized the court’s decision, arguing that the imposed fine and restrictions essentially drain her resources needed for an appeal. Additionally, Lavrenz is barred from using the internet for six months, which Roots contends functions as a de facto gag order, further complicating her ability to fundraise for her legal battle.
The confinement also impacts Lavrenz’s bed-and-breakfast business significantly. According to Roots, her daughter will need to manage the business during Lavrenz’s house arrest, limiting her ability to perform daily errands and operations.
During her trial, prosecutors accused Lavrenz of spreading misinformation and seeking out members of Congress with the intent to disrupt the certification of President Joe Biden’s victory. Lavrenz, who has received support from former President Donald Trump, defended her actions as motivated by her religious convictions, stating she was at the Capitol to pray for the nation. Her attorney, John Pierce, argued for probation rather than imprisonment, emphasizing her nonviolent conduct. Following sentencing, Pierce expressed relief at avoiding jail time but announced plans to appeal the conviction and criticized the substantial fine.
Lavrenz is among over 1,400 individuals charged in relation to the Capitol riot, with various sentences handed down based on their actions. In contrast, a California man received the second-longest sentence of any defendant for attacking police officers during the riot, with a 20-year prison term.
