(Source: MIRS.news, Published 09/23/2024) A 2022 state House candidate pleaded guilty Monday to civil disorder for his actions during the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol.

Jason Howland, 47, of Clinton Township, an associate of former gubernatorial candidate Ryan Kelley, faces up to five years in prison when he is sentenced Jan. 10 before U.S. District Judge Trevor N. McFadden in the District of Columbia.

Howland's sentencing guidelines, which take into account his prior convictions, are estimated to be zero months to six months. His criminal history includes two 2011 offenses of operating while his license is suspended, and a 2006 ethnic intimidation and attempted assault with a dangerous weapon conviction, as well as a 2002 felonious assault and 1998 arson convictions, according to court documents.

The plea deal calls for Howland to submit to an interview with law enforcement regarding the events of the riot.

Court documents say Howland, who co-founded the American Patriot Council with Kelley, was identified in a video among a crowd of rioters near a police line and identified through photographs and social media postings.

Howland messaged a person the day before the riot saying "War," prompting the other person to tell him to "chill out wait and see how this plays out."

"I've been waiting. Fuck that," Howland responded, according to court documents.

The next day, Howland joined a large group of rioters, yelling "Let's go" to the crowd, which overtook officers. The government said Howland entered the Upper West Terrace and Crypts before walking to the House Wing door and back to the Crypt.