Capitol riot suspect pleads guilty to charge carrying max sentence of 20 years in prison

A man pleaded guilty Wednesday to crimes related to the riot at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 which disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress in the process of counting the electoral votes related to the presidential election.

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According to court documents, Paul Hodgkins, 38, of Tampa, Florida, entered the U.S. Capitol building at approximately 2:50 p.m. on Jan. 6.

READ MORE: Accused US Capitol rioters blame insurrection on mob mentality

Around 3 p.m., Hodgkins entered the Senate chamber, walked among the desks, and then removed eye goggles. He took a "selfie-style" photograph with his cell phone and walked down the Senate well where, a few feet away, several individuals were shouting, praying and cheering using a bullhorn. Hodgkins walked toward the individuals and remained standing with them while they continued commanding the attention of others.

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At approximately 3:15 p.m., Hodgkins exited the Senate chamber and the U.S. Capitol Building.

READ MORE: FBI releases new video of Capitol Riot suspects involved in assaults on federal officers

Hodgkins pleaded guilty to one count of obstructing an official proceeding, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, fine of $250,000 or twice the monetary gain or loss of the offense.

He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 19 at 10 a.m. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

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