Former New Jersey Army National Guard Sergeant Gregory Yetman Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Role in January 6 Capitol Assault

On Tuesday, Gregory Yetman, a former sergeant with the New Jersey Army National Guard military police, received a sentence of 30 months in federal prison for his involvement in the violent January 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol. Chief Judge James E. Boasberg issued the sentence at a federal courthouse in Washington, D.C. Yetman was found guilty of assaulting federal officers with pepper spray during the Capitol riot.

Background and Arrest

Yetman became the focus of a nationwide FBI manhunt after eluding capture when special agents sought to arrest him on Capitol attack charges in November 2023. His flight into the woods and subsequent evasion of law enforcement prompted a significant search effort. Online "sedition hunters," who have played a crucial role in aiding the FBI with numerous Capitol riot investigations, identified Yetman. He was listed as "278-AFO" on the FBI's Capitol Violence website, with the "AFO" designation indicating his wanted status for assaulting federal officers.

In April 2024, Yetman pleaded guilty to a felony count of assaulting, resisting, or impeding officers with physical contact and the intent to commit another felony. Prior to his guilty plea, Yetman was among the few January 6 defendants held in pretrial detention.

Details of the Assault

On January 6, 2021, Yetman traveled from New Jersey, subsequently taking the metro from Virginia to Washington, D.C., with the intent of attending then-President Donald Trump's speech at the Ellipse. As Yetman neared the Capitol, he encountered scenes of chaos, including "flash bangs" and tear gas, and witnessed a police officer being dragged into the violent mob.

During the riot, Yetman seized a large canister of pepper spray from Capitol grounds and used it to assault officers who were already under severe attack. For approximately 12 to 14 seconds, Yetman directed the chemical spray at the officers. These officers had been violently assaulted by other rioters, who had rammed them from behind, knocked them over a wall, and used a fire extinguisher against them.

Prosecutors underscored the gravity of Yetman’s actions, highlighting that despite his oath to uphold the Constitution and his extensive law enforcement experience, he chose to target fellow officers who were already surrounded and being assaulted by other rioters. They condemned his actions as a severe betrayal of his sworn duty and noted his derogatory comments about the officers after the attack.

Fugitive Status and Prosecution Arguments

Yetman’s decision to flee arrest in November 2023 and remain in hiding for several days led to an extended manhunt that required substantial police resources and caused disruptions such as street closures and school shelter-in-place orders. Prosecutors argued that these repercussions were foreseeable given Yetman’s background as a military police officer, and thus justified a sentence at the higher end of the sentencing guidelines.

Defense Arguments and Sentencing Considerations

Yetman’s defense attorney argued that he was swept up in the "madness" of the January 6 crowd and expressed profound remorse for his actions. The defense contended that the penalties Yetman had already endured, including eight months in custody and a felony conviction, were substantial deterrents against future misconduct. The attorney asserted that these penalties, along with the loss of rights to possess firearms and vote, represented significant consequences that serve as both specific and general deterrents.

Broader Context and Impact

Since the January 6 attack, over 1,400 individuals have been charged, and more than 1,000 have been convicted in connection with the riot. While some defendants have received probationary sentences, over 500 individuals have been sentenced to incarceration, with sentences varying from a few days to 22 years. The latter sentence was imposed on a Proud Boys leader convicted of seditious conspiracy, reflecting the diverse range of penalties for those involved in the Capitol assault.

Yetman’s sentencing highlights the ongoing judicial efforts to hold accountable those who participated in or supported the violent assault on the Capitol, contributing to a broader legal and judicial response to the January 6 events.