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.
This is a BIG development as the obstruction charge is a felony. Keller likely faces prison time although we will learn more about that later in the hearing when the DOJ talks about sentencing guidelines. He will lose his right to vote as a convicted felon.
— Eric Flack (@EricFlackTV) September 29, 2021
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.
DOJ says Keller blocked police and refused to leave Capitol Rotunda. Yelled “F**k Nancy Pelosi and F**k Chuck Schumer” and yanked his arm away from police trying to force him to leave.
— Eric Flack (@EricFlackTV) September 29, 2021
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’s attorney tells Judge Keller is “trying to make amends for terrible decision he made on January 6” and “wants to make amends to the court and the country.” Judge asks Keller to stand to remind him he’s now plead guilty to a felony and he must keep his nose clean on bond.
— Eric Flack (@EricFlackTV) September 29, 2021
Keller won gold medals in the 400-meter freestyle and the 4×200-meter freestyle relay at the 2000, 2004 and 2008 Summer Olympics.