A former New Jersey National Guard member who fled from the FBI was sentenced Tuesday to 30 months in prison for his actions in the Jan. 6, 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol.
Gregory Yetman, 47, will also fined $2,000 and will face 18 months of supervision after he’s released, the Justice Department announced in a press release.
Yetman was a military police officer in the New Jersey Army National Guard when he traveled from his home in Helmetta to Washington, D.C. to join other supporters of Donald Trump.
John Minchillo/AP
Violent protesters, loyal to President Donald Trump, storm the Capitol in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)
After Trump’s speech, Yetman was part of the march on the Capitol and linked up with rioters attacking police officers on the building’s west side, according to federal investigators.
Yetman found a can of pepper spray on the ground, picked it up and sprayed the officers defending the Capitol. His actions were captured on video from the scene. Yetman sprayed for about 12-14 seconds, and the defending officers retreated further into the building.
For nearly three years, Yetman remained free, even admitting to his presence at the riot in a USA Today interview but noting the FBI never followed up after meeting with him.
But on Nov. 8, 2023, agents attempted to arrest Yetman at his home about 30 miles south of Manhattan. However, Yetman took off on foot when he spotted the feds, fleeing into the woods while dropping a knife and cellphone on the way, according to police.
Inside Yetman’s home, investigators discovered several firearms and a significant amount of ammunition, the feds said. After two days on the run, Yetman turned himself in to authorities.
In April 2024, Yetman pleaded guilty to felony assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers. Other charges against him were dropped.
Yetman was honorably discharged from the National Guard in March 2022.
Originally Published: