Florida man accused in Capitol lectern theft allowed to go free on bond

[Zorro]

Source: Tampa Bay Times

Adam Christian Johnson of Parrish made his first court appearance Monday in Tampa.

Adam Christian Johnson, the Parrish man who became one of the most prominent symbols of the riots that engulfed the U.S. Capitol last week when he was photographed carrying a lectern from the House of Representatives, was released Monday in Tampa.

Johnson, a 36-year-old father of five boys, appeared in a Tampa federal courtroom Monday afternoon. After the proceeding, Johnson signed a $25,000 signature bond to secure his release. He will not have to pay any money unless he fails to appear in court.

Johnson strolled out of the Sam. M. Gibbons U.S. Courthouse shortly before 4 p.m., wearing a white T-shirt, flip-flops and shorts.

His lawyers said he has received death threats since the Jan. 6 riot.

“He’d like to just get home to his family,” said his attorney, David Bigney.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Christopher Tuite ordered that Johnson is to be restricted from traveling outside the Middle District of Florida while the case against him is pending. He can travel to Washington, D.C., only for court appearances.

Read more: https://www.tampabay.com/news/crime/2021/01/11/parrish-man-accused-in-capitol-lectern-theft-to-appear-in-court/

[Freedomofspeech]

3. His wife is a doctor and he is a stay at home Dad.

[scarletwoman]

36. His wife is also a big MAGAt. There was a video on Twitter of her screaming "foul"

right after his arrest.

I'm very sorry - I won't be able to find it, I've gone through dozens and dozens of Twitter posts since Wednesday and it would be impossible to retrace my steps.

[Freedomofspeech]

38. My God...

I'm sure that she is a very compassionate physician. 🙄

[MontanaMama]

66. Let's hope Dr. MAGAt's medical practice goes to hell.

Except it’s Florida so...my expectations are low.

[Freedomofspeech]

69. Yes...Florida never disappoints.

[Scruffy1]

76. She works for Davita.

They do kidney dialysis in Clinics all over the USA.

[MontanaMama]

90. Let's see how long that lasts...

Dr MAGA probably didn’t count on her secret getting out.

[dchill]

59. No, stay at home dads stay at home.

[dchill]

98. I'm guessing he's not that into staying at home.

[SunSeeker]

25. No, that's another guy who was identified by his ex-wife.

This shithead's wife said nothing. It was people in his community that identified him.

[SunSeeker]

30. Yup. He's a stay at home dad. His wife works full-time as a doctor.

He left 5 young kids to committ treason.

[Rebl2]

35. Wonder

if his doctor wife approves of his actions.

[scarletwoman]

37. Yes - see my post #36:

https://democraticunderground.com/10142667256#post36

[Traildogbob]

43. And all 7 of them

Are getting a $600 tax payer check because Madame Speaker Pelosi would not bow to McTurtle’s desire for zero. Fucking socialists. Does he get the 10 year prison sentence Trump demanded for destruction of fed property?

[Marrah_Goodman]

84. The wife is a nutter too

[Freedomofspeech]

2. That is just b.s.

[FDR4President]

4. This is not the end of it

If you look into how significant charges, and particularly federal charges go, this is the tip of the iceberg. Basically they have notified him he is "of interest" and the more serious charges are yet to be filed.

[MiniMe]

5. Did he return the lectern?

[magicarpet]

15. He put it up for bid on Ebay...

Pelosi had to buy her stolen lectern back.

[scarletwoman]

32. Ebay took the sale down. I'm sure Speaker Pelosi didn't buy it back. Where did you see that?

[magicarpet]

33. No.. no ,.. I was just kidding,.

Should have used one of these....

[scarletwoman]

39. Okay, you're forgiven.

[magicarpet]

42. .

[greenjar_01]

75. That's 100% false

Why would you say that?

[magicarpet]

79. See comment #33 ... two comments down....

[Greybnk48]

61. The lectern was found over in the Senate side of the building

along with her gavel. Both were unharmed. Apparently he pretended to steal just to piss people off. Lots of theater going on in this coup attempt/insurrection, along with some dark and evil things.

Flinging poop, swinging from balconies, along with the terrorists searching to kill Pence, Pelosi, Schumer, along with the police officer they murdered.

[marble falls]

6. The Tee, shorts and flip flops say it all. We need to make this serious for him.

[thecrow]

34. Well, he does live in Florida...!

People in Florida have a different fashion sense .
When I lived in Ft. Lauderdale years ago, it was commonplace
to see people walking down the street in their bikinis etc.
OTOH I presume he will wear more appropriate clothing at his hearing.

[japple]

57. Yeah, people in my area wear their pajamas to Walmart! Oh wait,

they do that everywhere!!!

[Karma13612]

82. 👍👍👍👍🤣🤣 eom

[keithsw]

64. this is true

I live in Sanibel and only wear shoes when we walk for exercise. I always wear sandals or flip flops

[Evolve Dammit]

44. Too bad Mr. Flipflop didn't drop the lecturn and break all those bones in both feet. Just sayin'. nt

[marble falls]

46. On a video!

[njhoneybadger]

7. These fuckers are going to get off with a slap on the wrist.

[Harker]

17. I hope not.

Federal charges will be life changing, I should think.

[njhoneybadger]

21. A freaking signature bond

[progree]

51. It's Kabuki Theater. Seattle man charged with assaulting a federal officer released to his wife

Seattle man charged with assaulting a federal officer at U.S. Capitol siege, Seattle Times, 1/10/20
https://www.democraticunderground.com/10142666324
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/crime/seattle-man-charged-with-assaulting-a-federal-officer-at-u-s-capitol-siege

Seattle man has been charged with assaulting a federal police officer during the siege of the U.S. Capitol.

Mark J. Leffingwell, 51, of Seattle, was also charged Thursday in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia with entering a restricted building and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds.

... "Leffingwell was released on his personal recognizance to a third-party custodian -- his wife."

No mention of bail or bond or anything in the article. Undoubtedly just swept up in the moment, a moment of White passion (sarc)

These fuckers are going to get off with a slap on the wrist.

Yup. I've been watching this for nearly 2 months in Minnesota regarding bars/restaurants that refused to stay closed in violation of Governor Walz (D)'s order closing all bars & restaurants for indoor dining. A lot of court injunctions and even some fines, but no enforcement at all, so they just stay open. I'm been following three of these bars/restaurants Facebook pages on a daily basis, and it appears nobody has even asked for payment of the fines.

Meanwhile Attorney General Keith Ellison (D) pathetically pleadingly wrote the Ramsey County District Court about the inadequacy of a $250/day fine, given that she (Havens Garden, Lynd, MN) has raised like $80,000 at the time via crowdsourcing, and that more action needs to be taken. That was like at least 2 weeks ago, and I see no signs that anything has been happening. But I see endless media articles making it sound like they are really suffering serious consequences.

[C Moon]

80. I think you are correct. If they were black, it would be a different story.

[SayItLoud]

8. In other countries this would NOT happen. NT

[bdamomma]

89. Other

countries would have harsher consequences for sure.

[magicarpet]

9. Daddy done fucked up big time....

Five boys,... upside down,... inside out parental guidance. These boys should be real charmers with the utmost respect for rules and laws.

[birdographer]

56. Raising his own little trumps

without quite as much money.

[EarthFirst]

10. Signature bond ROR

He should be awaiting trial until the 19th.

[DemoTex]

11. "He'd like to just get home to his family." Tell that to the family of Brian Sicknick.

"Johnson strolled out of the Sam. M. Gibbons U.S. Courthouse shortly before 4 p.m., wearing a white T-shirt, flip-flops and shorts."

U.S. Magistrate Judge Christopher Tuite was appointed 2018. I'll assume he was appointed by Trump, until I can find out otherwise.

[Evolve Dammit]

45. Damn right. Thank you.

[Skittles]

60. exactly what I was thinking

ugh

[CatMor]

12. He wants to go home to his family..

I'm sure that is what Brian Sicknick also wanted to do.

[Deuxcents]

13. I'm sure the Capital Police Officers

Wanted to get back to their families. Two will never be able to go home. $25000 bond? Why?

[snowybirdie]

14. That's the system

Like it or not, if the crime he's charged with allows bail, he can post it. Lets not let our anger violate constitutional norms. We're better than them

[SunSeeker]

24. He's an insurrectionist, not some run of the mill petty thief.

[groundloop]

16. The goons in armor with zip-tie restraints scare me a lot more than this idiot

I'd like to see every fucking moran who stepped foot inside the Capitol Building be imprisoned for a lengthy time. But in the great scheme of things this bozo was joy riding. He deserves a significant fine and a couple of years in jail.

It's the motherfuckers in body armor carrying zip-tie restraints who need to be a priority. Those bastards clearly intended to harm people, and the book should be thrown at them.

[Harker]

19. A smile and a wave don't allow him to part company

with the murdererous mob.

[marble falls]

48. Being killed by accident by a nit wit'll make you as dead a any other shooter. Get them all.

[greenjar_01]

77. Agreed

Bond is fine for this loser. The public humiliation and a heft fine are probably punishment enough.

[Yeehah]

18. Good thing they didn't find any pot on him....

or he'd be in real trouble.

[Fullduplexxx]

20. Hey judge did you apaologize to him as well on the way out as well.

[SunSeeker]

27. Probably took him out for Burger King.

[bucolic_frolic]

22. Now they can keep an eye on him

see what he does.

[SunSeeker]

23. WHAT THE FUCK!?

[ancianita]

53. yah that's totally fucked up, even if the FBI keeps further charges handy

his wife should pay for child care

[hibbing]

28. When will he be on Fox?

After all, it is just fun and games and shenanigans to these fascists.


Peace

[NCjack]

85. I sure he is an "anti-antifa".

[JohnnyRingo]

29. It's like a college prank.

Like painting a butt on the school rock or dumping Kool Aid in the pool.

It's not like he defaced a Confederate monument.

[IcyPeas]

31. and so it begins. who is the judge?

U.S. Magistrate Judge Christopher Tuite. Original Appointment Date: February 05, 2018.

[abakan]

41. impeach his ass nt

[DonViejo]

50. A Trump appointee.

[abakan]

40. Oh yeah that's the way to punish them!

Let him off on bail I'm sure that'll teach him. I am of the opinion there should not be a pit too deep to put them to wait.
Let's take away their citizenship and expel them from the country. That should be the least they punishment they deserve.

[former9thward]

54. You may wish to eliminate the judicial system.

Most of us don't want that. These are all bailable offenses (most without cash). That is the system like it or not. If you want it changed for this then it would be changed for everyone.

[LanternWaste]

58. It does not follow

Really, the one doesn't lead to the other-- outside of imaginative editorials such as yours. "Like it or not..."

[Mr.Bill]

62. There is also such a thing as being a danger to the community or a flight risk

They get to consider that when deciding on bail. There's a lot of flexibility for a judge regarding bail.

[greenjar_01]

78. This guy is neither...he's a fucking clown

Unfortunately, I'm forced to agree with your Conservative Lawyer interlocutor.

[abakan]

86. I have no desire to eliminate the Judicial branch...

What I believe is, if you commit sedition or treason you should not have the luxury of
being allowed to freely roam around the country. If you are a known threat to our democracy, that threat
should exclude your participation in American society.
Please don't excuse this by saying, innocent until proven guilty. There is video that shows the proof of guilt.

[former9thward]

92. And they are not charged with "sedition" or "treason"

Now are they?

[abakan]

93. Maybe not but what do you call what they did?

Fun and games in the Capital?

[former9thward]

94. We have to be at a declared war against someone for treason to be charged.

The last time that happened was in June, 1942 when we declared war on Bulgaria, Hungary and Rumania. The last time sedition was effectively used was when Wilson threw Socialist party leaders in jail for refusal to back the U.S. in WW I. So a long time for either of those.

What was done at the Capitol building was vandalism and in some cases theft. Even trespassing or illegal entry does not fly since it appears they were let in by police. The DOJ will look at some other charges for a few of them such as conspiracy but in the end I doubt those will go to court.

[abakan]

95. Ok

Last edited Tue Jan 12, 2021, 04:38 PM - Edit history (1)

I stand corrected
you might want to see this to see this

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100214904167

[NHvet]

47. And this is what a Moscow Mitch

court packing has brought us on all levels. Its going to be a long road home from this craziness.

[FailureToCommunicate]

73. Good point.

Elections have consequences.

Damn James Comey!

[58Sunliner]

49. Shit. He should be in jail.

[rpannier]

52. Why do they feel the need to always say "Father of five"?

We all know why
It makes him out to be nicer than he is

[Crash2Parties]

55. Possible Quiverfull dog-whistle...

[Mr.Bill]

87. But when they say it about a woman of color

it's meant to be negative.

[Cozmo]

63. tRump federal judge appointments will pay off for these terrorists

I'm sure this guy will not be the only one who will be given a slap on the wrist by inept judges appointed during the tRump reign of terror.

[twodogsbarking]

65. He needs to be home with his kids

since he had been away trying to overthrow the government. I call for the Judge's resignation.

[ffr]

67. Track him and see where it leads.

Then arrest him again.

[badboy67]

68. IOKIYAR

[iluvtennis]

70. The white terrorists get "signature bonds". I'll bet that black/brown/muslim folks don't get a

signature bond.

This is the dual justice system we have in America - one of the majority and one for minority....it's UNFAIR.

[Turbineguy]

71. He needs to apply for political asylum

at the nearest Russian embassy.

[ad121rome]

72. I believe a little

White privilege is showing here. A slap on the wrist from the Trumpie judge. Hoping the DC judge does a little better.

[swag]

74. He might want to find a different attorney

Link to tweet

[Karma13612]

81. This is Bull crap. Eom

[Marrah_Goodman]

83. This pisses me off. He is clearly a danger to our democracy

There should not have been a bond.

[Liberty Belle]

88. Could the FBI be freeing some to watch who they contact?

Or even get some to wear a wire as part of a promised plea bargain to entrap the organizers of this melee?

Of note, he didn't actually steal the podium. It was found inside the capitol in some other room.

[RVN VET71]

91. Wow! That's some strict "Law and Order" administering' right there.

Was he allowed to walk -- pending trial -- so could be home taking care of the kids he abandoned so he could go and do treason in D.C.?

[DeminPennswoods]

96. "He'd like to just get home to his family," said his attorney, David Bigney.

He should've thought about that about before buying his ticket to DC.