Florida corrections officer charged for alleged involvement in US Capitol riot

A corrections officer from Raiford, Florida was charged in connection to the deadly U.S. Capitol riot.

Jonathan Carlton made his first federal court appearance Thursday afternoon.

Carlton left the downtown Jacksonville federal courthouse wearing an American flag mask.

Carlton is facing misdemeanor charges, including knowingly entering a restricted government area.

He was released on his own recognizance and ordered to remove his guns from his house.

A student-run newspaper, the GW Hatchet, interviewed a man named Johnathan Carlton on the day of the riot. Carlton told the newspaper he traveled from Florida to “certify the fraud that occurred without a reasonable doubt in seven states during the election.”

According to the article from the GW Hatchet, Carlton said he entered the capitol for roughly 20 minutes and described the halls as “packed” with people who had broken through the perimeter.

When Action News Jax’s Christy Turner questioned him about that, he said no comment.

Turner contacted the Florida Department of Corrections to learn where Carlton worked and if he’s facing any disciplinary action.

The agency stated it will most likely be Friday before it can respond.

As of Thursday evening, no federal documents or evidence have been released in connection with Carlton’s case.

If you have seen unlawful violent action related to the U.S. Capitol Riot on Jan. 6, you can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

For more information visit: https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/capitol-violence.

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