The Goshen News

GOSHEN — A Goshen man has pled guilty as part of a plea bargain in the Capitol Riots investigation.

Jeffrey L. Munger, 55, Goshen, pled guilty on Friday, May 20, to parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building in violation of federal law.

As part of that plea, Munger could receive a sentence of six months in prison, a term of probation of not more than five years, and a fine of not more than $5,000. He will also pay restitution to the Architect of the Capitol in the amount of $500, to help pay for the $1.5 million in damage caused to the Capitol during the Jan. 6, 2021, riots, according to the plea bargain.

In return, other charges filed against Munger will be dropped, including charges of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly or disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, and disorderly conduct in a capitol building.

“He is a wonderful man who made a mistake he deeply regrets,” said Munger’s Washington D.C.-based attorney, Heather Shaner, in an e-mail to The Goshen News.

The plea agreement reads that Munger drove to Washington D.C. to participate in the “Stop the Steal” rally on Jan. 6, 2021. Prior to that date, he made a post on Facebook asking if anyone wanted to go with him, the agreement reads.

“Munger admitted to entering the U.S. Capitol building on Jan. 6, 2021, through a broken window,” according to a statement of facts from the U.S. Department of Justice when the case was originally filed March 15. “Using a map provided by the interviewing agent, Munger circled the area where he entered the building through a broken window. The area he circled is known as the Senate Wing Door, which is located on the northwest side of the U.S. Capitol building.”

This article is posted with permission from the Hoosier State Press Association.