Melody Steele-Smith

Case Summary

“I’m trying to figure out how I could be there all day and miss all this violence and destruction I’m seeing on TV,” Melody Steele-Smith wrote on her Facebook page about the events of Jan. 6, 2021, according to court documents. “I think photos for the news were staged.” One of the photos Steele-Smith herself took appeared to show her inside House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office, according to court documents. Under the caption, “Nancy’s Office,” there is a collage of images -- a framed photo of Pelosi hanging on a wall, a coin rack on top of a cabinet and in one, in a partial reflection, what looked to be a white fuzzy headband and light hair that investigators said was consistent with selfies that Steele-Smith took of herself on Jan. 6. A review of online footage and photos of the speaker’s office by law enforcement officials confirms the posted photos appear to be her office, the documents said. A relative of Steele-Smith identified her to authorities, according to court documents. Surveillance cameras in the Capitol appear to place Steele-Smith inside the building as well. According to a sentencing court document, Steele-Smith served in the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged in 1999.

Case History

Steele-Smith pleaded Guilty to one charge: Entering and Remaining in a Restricted Building or Grounds. The other charges are dismissed. Sentenced 6/16/2023 to 36 months Probation with 90 days home detention; $500 Restitution; and $25 Special Assessment. Steele-Smith received a full pardon on January 20, 2025

Sources

• Primary Documentation
  NPR Jan. 6 Defendant DatabaseNPR
• Primary Documentation
  Underlying court recordCourt record linked by NPR

Case summary, charges, procedural updates and image are drawn from the NPR Jan. 6 archive snapshot dated 2026-09-25 unless otherwise indicated.