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Former Olympic gold medalist Klete Keller pleads guilty to felony charge related to Capitol riot

Former Olympic swimming gold medalist Klete Keller pleaded guilty to an obstruction charge Wednesday stemming from the Capitol riot, according to Eric Flack of WUSA 9 in Washington, D.C. Keller admitted to obstructing an official proceeding, a felony charge.

Keller faced seven counts. He pleaded guilty to the second count. Since obstructing an official proceeding is a felony charge, Keller is expected to receive prison time.

The charge carries a maximum of 20 years in prison. Keller will likely receive fewer years. There is "no parole in the federal penal system," according to Flack, meaning Keller will have to serve time.

The judge reportedly informed Keller he could receive 21 to 27 months. That timeframe is not official. The court still has to perform an independent evaluation.

Klete Keller blocked police, refused to leave Capitol

Keller admitted to blocking police and refusing to leave the Capitol on Jan. 6. He said he yelled obscenities toward Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer while in the building.

Keller destroyed the phone and memory card he used to take pictures and video in the Capitol. Keller said he threw out the Olympic jacket he wore during the riot. Keller was identified in videos by his jacket.

Keller expressed remorse for his actions, telling the judge he was "trying to make amends" for storming the Capitol on Jan. 6.

Keller won gold medals in the 400-meter freestyle and the 4×200-meter freestyle relay at the 2000, 2004 and 2008 Summer Olympics.

Klete Keller Team USA swimmer.
Klete Keller pleaded guilty to a felony stemming from the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. (Photo by Vladimir Rys/Bongarts/Getty Images)