Jessica Marie Watkins

Case Summary

Federal prosecutors say Jessica Watkins, a U.S. Army veteran, was among the "most extreme insurgents" who took part in the attack on the Capitol attack. According to court documents, Watkins, who is a member of the Ohio State Regular Militia and the Oath Keepers, sent text messages to a number of individuals in November who were interested in joining the militia. Watkins allegedly told them the militia had a weeklong "Basic Training class coming up in the beginning of January," and told one recruit, "I need you fighting fit by innaugeration [sic]." She reportedly told another individual, "It's a military style basic, here in Ohio with a Marine Drill Sergeant running it. An hour north of Columbus Ohio." In the days leading up to the Capitol attack, Watkins was allegedly in regular communication with other militia members. "We plan on going to DC on the 6th," Watkins said in a Dec. 29 text to another individual also facing conspiracy charges. "Trump wants all able bodied Patriots to come." On Jan. 6, 2021, prosecutors say, Watkins joined other individuals affiliated with the Oath Keepers and "moved in an organized and practiced fashion up the steps" of the Capitol. Federal investigators claim that once Watkins entered the Capitol building, she and others also facing conspiracy charges communicated on Zello, a walkie-talkie-like app, using a channel named "Stop the Steal J6." At one point, Watkins allegedly said, "We have a good group. We have about 30-40 of us. We are sticking together and sticking to the plan." When FBI searched Watkins' home they found personal protection equipment and communication devices, a mini drone, pepper spray, cellphones, numerous firearms, homemade weapons and instructions for making explosives. In court filings arguing for her release, Watkins' lawyer said she attended the Jan. 6 rally "to provide security to the speakers at the rally, to provide escort for the legislators and others to march to the Capitol as directed by the then President," and added that Watkins was given a VIP pass that day. Watkins' lawyer also mentioned in the motion that she is a small business owner, voted for former President Barack Obama, served in Afghanistan as an Army ranger, and was forced out of the military after her sexual orientation was discovered. "As a transgender female, she is at risk of harsh treatment in custody," he said.

Case History

Watkins pleaded Not Guilty to all charges. Jury trial began on 9/27/2022. On 11/29/2022, Watkins was found Guilty on four charges: Conspiracy to Obstruct an Official Proceeding; Obstruction of an Official Proceeding; Conspiracy to Prevent an Officer from Discharging Any Duties; Civil Disorder. Not Guilty on Seditious Conspiracy; Destruction of Government Property and Aiding and Abetting. Sentenced on 5/26/2023 to 102 months incarceration; 36 months of supervised release; $400 special assessment. A proclamation commutes the sentence to time served as of January 20, 2025

Later Developments

• 2026-08-04 · federal criminal disposition

  The district court dismissed the indictment with prejudice after the appellate court vacated the convictions on May 21, 2026.

  Legal Status: Convictions vacated and indictment dismissed; this does not erase the historical trial record or establish the status of other matters.

  • Development Source
    United States v. Rhodes et al., No. 22-cr-15, memorandum opinion and order, August 4, 2026U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, court filing via CourtListener2026-10-24

Sources

• Primary Documentation
  NPR Jan. 6 Defendant DatabaseNPR
• Primary Documentation
  Underlying court recordCourt record linked by NPR
• Supporting Reporting
  NPR video evidence pageNPR

The original January 6 case summary, charges, procedural updates and image are drawn from the NPR archive snapshot dated 2026-09-25. Later developments are separately dated and sourced; they concern distinct proceedings and public events.