Record at a Glance
- Category
- Jan 6th
- Age in NPR record
- 64
- Location
- Fort Mill, South Carolina
- Charges
- Entering and Remaining in a Restricted Building or Grounds; Disorderly and Disruptive Conduct in a Restricted Building or Grounds; Disorderly Conduct in a Capitol Building; Parading, Demonstrating, or Picketing in a Capitol Building
- Case status
- Pleaded guilty; Dismissed in part or full; Sentenced
- Presidential action
- Pardon
Case Summary
The FBI began investigating Paul Colbath in January after receiving a tip that Colbath had been "bragging" about his involvement in the U.S. Capitol riot, according to documents filed in federal court. FBI agents then interviewed Colbath, who said voluntarily that he had breached the Capitol building through an open door and saw shattered glass and plumes of chemical smoke from tear gas, federal prosecutors say. Colbath allegedly told the FBI that he had made "a big mistake" and said he did not bring weapons inside the Capitol or promote the overthrow of the U.S. government. Agents subsequently found video that appeared to show Colbath inside the Capitol during the riot, prosecutors allege, and Colbath confirmed to agents that it was indeed him on the footage. According to a sentencing memorandum filed in federal court, Colbath served in the U.S. Army.
Case History
Colbath pleaded Guilty to one charge: Parading, Demonstrating, or Picketing in a Capitol Building. The other charges are dismissed. Sentenced on 4/6/2022 to 36 Months of Probation; 30 days location monitoring/home detention; 60 hours of community service; $10 Special Assessment; Restitution of $500. Colbath 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.