Washington: A 72-year-old Florida priest who faces federal criminal charges arising from the January 6 attack on US Capitol by supporters of former President Donald Trump took part in the early hearing on Thursday before a judge.
James Cusick Jr., Pastor from the Ministry of Global Melbourne, Florida, faced four allegations of mild violations associated with riots, including irregular violence entries and behavior on the land of Capitol.
His son Casey Cusick, 35, was also a priest at his father’s church, facing similar charges but did not participate in the trial on Thursday.
One of their parishes, David Lesperance, 69, also faced similar charges.
Lessperance did not take part in the trial.
According to an Affidavit FBI, Lesperance told investigators that the petition had attended Trump’s speech before the riots and then went to the Capitol building.
More than 535 were charged with taking part in riots.
Trump has made a false claim that he lost 2020 presidential election because of widespread selection fraud.
The riots interrupted the formal Congress certification from President Joe Biden’s victory over Trump.
The FBI Affidavit which described the case against James Cusick, including the photos claiming to show it in the Capitol during the riots and he stood outside the Hotel Trump in Washington the day before.
He was the first pastor known to have been charged in riots.
Cusick has claimed not to be guilty of all costs and is free on guarantees.
John Pierce, a lawyer for Cusick, did not immediately respond to a comment request.
At the hearing on Thursday, a prosecutor told the Randolph Moss district judge who consolidated the Cusick case, his son and lesperance being considered.
Further hearing for James Cusick is set for September 28.