Prosecutors want a judge to prohibit a woman’s internet access after it was reported that she has been encouraging people to destroy evidence related to the Capitol insurrection.
Riley Williams, 22, was arrested in Pennsylvania on Jan. 18 for her role in the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection. She faces several charges including theft, trespassing and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds. Williams is suspected of participating in the theft of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s laptop during the riot.
Williams was released on bail Thursday into the custody of her mother. She was ordered to remain confined at home and wear an ankle monitor.
On Monday Scott McFarlane of NBC 4 reported that the Justice Department suspects that Williams has been using the internet in recent days to encourage people to destroy evidence in the Capitol insurrection case.
A federal prosecutor asked Magistrate Judge Zia M. Faruqui to limit Williams’ internet access. The prosecutors requested that Faruqui prohibit Williams from computer, phone and internet access, and also asked that the court order a mental health assessment.
Pelosi’s HP laptop was stolen from her office the day of the Capitol riot. A video shared with investigators by Williams’ ex-boyfriend shows a woman believed to be Williams is seen telling a man to “put on gloves” before he touches the laptop on the desk. Capitol Police have confirmed the video was taken inside of Pelosi’s office.
Williams’ former partner told investigators she told him she planned to sell the laptop to a Russian intelligence service. None of the charges Williams faces are related to allegations she planned to sell the laptop. Court documents claim those allegations remain under investigation.
Faruqui said he was surprised that prosecutors didn’t request that Williams be jailed pending the resolution of her case.
On social media, users expressed concerns about Williams’ release on bail.
It is absolutely INSANE that Riley June Williams directed rioters in the US Capitol attack, stole a laptop to sell to Russians, and was RELEASED FROM CUSTODY.
Sandra Bland died in police custody for a turn signal.
— BrooklynDad_Defiant!☮️ (@mmpadellan) January 22, 2021Taylor Enterline -a Black woman arrested during a protest was held on a $1,000,000 bail.
Riley June Williams – a white women broke into the capital, stole Pelosi’s laptop and tried to sell it to Russia got a lecture and went home under her mom Custody pic.twitter.com/WUekVXNT2N
— Junius Valentine (@juniusvalentine) January 22, 2021Kalief Browder allegedly stole a backpack at 16, spent 3 yrs at Riker's Island without trial.
Riley Williams stole a laptop from Speaker Pelosi's office and tried selling it the Russians. She was released to her mother
There are two justice systems in America #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/Vg3FEGXIeK
— Derenic Byrd (@DerenicByrd) January 22, 2021Williams’ attorney said the accusations against her client are “overstated” and that the ex-boyfriend who reported Williams to the FBI had been abusive.
Williams’ first court appearance was scheduled for Monday, Jan. 25, but was postponed until the next day. If convicted, she could face up to 30 years in prison.
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