Iowa Man Mistakenly Released from Prison Following Capitol Riot Conviction

Leo Christopher Kelly from Iowa was mistakenly released from federal custody before completing his 30-month sentence for participating in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. While his appeal led to one conviction being overturned, prosecutors argue that his release was premature, as he served only 11 months. A resentencing hearing is pending.

Leo Christopher Kelly from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was erroneously freed from federal custody last week, having served only 11 months of his 30-month sentence related to the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, according to Justice Department prosecutors. An appeals court had vacated one conviction but not his entire sentence.

The Bureau of Prisons admitted Kelly's release was due to a misinterpretation of a court order. Prosecutors have requested a hearing with U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth to address the mistake and schedule resentencing. Kelly is currently free and compliant with probation instructions.

Kelley had driven to Washington, D.C., to join a rally supporting then-President Trump before participating in the insurrection. He documented documents on the Senate floor before being removed by police. His case is part of the broader efforts to prosecute individuals involved in the Capitol riot.

(With inputs from agencies.)