He pleaded not guilty to all counts on 3/30/21. He was released on personal recognizance on 1/12/21. He had been the chief executive officer of Schaumburg-based tech company Cogensia. Emailus. In a statement after his arrest, Rukstales described himself as a peaceful and law-abiding citizen who condemned the violence and destruction that took place in Washington. But federal prosecutors pointed to surveillance footage that showed Rukstales, less than 30 seconds after rioters tossed chairs at officers down a staircase, tossing a chair in the direction of a line of officers. He is the chief executive of a Chicago-area company that provides data-marketing solutions. As police yelled for people to leave, one of the officers brushed up against Rukstales from behind his arm stretched out toward officers. (U.S. DIstrict Court records). It was like a party. According to court records, Hemenway lured his estranged wife to a hotel in 2004 where he handcuffed her and duct-taped her mouth shut. Fitzgerald posted a video that was taken near the Capitol on his Facebook page at about 7 p.m. Wednesday , a few hours after the violent insurrection. All rights reserved, Man Dies at Cook County Jail Less Than a Day After Being Booked, These Starved Rock Tiny Cabins Are Perfect For a Weekend Getaway, New Ranking Names Most Expensive Cities In Illinois and These Chicago Suburbs Top the List, Body of Missing Genoa Man Recovered From River: Authorities. In a post to Twitter this Thursday, Rukstales' employer announced that he has been placed on leave while they assessed the situation. CHICAGO (CBS) -- Federal prosecutors have asked for a 45-day sentence for Bradley Rukstales a former tech CEO who pleaded guilty to charges in the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection. The prosecutor noted that the pro-Trump mob, including Rukstales, threw chairs. Confrontational Chicago police union boss John Catanzara Jr. wins reelection, Oscar Lawton Wilkerson Jr., last known surviving member of the Tuskegee Airmen in Chicago area, died at 96, When it comes to Madonnas plastic surgery: Its her body and her choice, Here are five takeaways from Chicagos municipal election. Court documents show numerous Facebook posts, selfies, and videos connecting to Hiles to events at and inside the Capitol, according to court documents. Lehr also said the 53-year-old tossed a chair toward U.S. Capitol Police officers before being dragged away from the scene by police and arrested. A suburban Chicago man and the CEO of a data analytics firm who was arrested during the U.S. Capitol riot has been charged for his involvement in the events, according to the Department of Justice. Former Inverness tech CEO Bradley Rukstales has been sentenced to 30 days in jail for his role in the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. It is also fair to say that I was personally frustrated and concerned with our countrys political discourse after the 2020 election, Rukstales said. Three other people died after suffering medical emergencies related to the breach, said Robert Contee, chief of the citys Metropolitan Police Department. Fitzgerald was not among the 13 charged in federal court Thursday. Both law enforcement and Trump supporters deployed chemical irritants during the hourslong occupation of the complex before it was cleared Wednesday evening. The Chicago-based firm @properties said on Twitter it fired Libby Andrews after she posted on social media about storming the Capitol, saying the company does not condone violence, destruction or illegal activities., Chicago real estate agent Libby Andrews, foreground, poses at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Brad Rukstales (@brad_rukstales) January 8, 2021. I have come to realize the weight of my actions, and immensely regret following others into the Capitol. The CEO of a Schaumburg-based technology company and a west suburban tattoo artist are among those charged with unlawful entry of the U.S. Capitol during Wednesdays riot, police officials said. In Virginia, at least 11 people have been arrested so far in connection with the riots, a database from the Program on Extremism at George Washington University shows. I think its horrible that somebody broke their way in, she said. November 4, 2021 / 9:57 PM Criminal complaints against Mark Jefferson Leffingwell and Christopher Michael Alberts were the first to be unsealed in the federal court in D.C. Each contained a description of the moment when Vice President Mike Pence and members of the House and Senate were told to evacuate their chambers. Bradley Rukstales, 53, of Inverness was sentenced to 30 days in prison and ordered to pay $500 in restitution. Just like details about his wife, he is yet to reveal the identity of his family members. When the officer told colleagues Alberts had a gun, he allegedly tried to flee but was caught by officers. Suburban tech company fires CEO who was charged in federal court after I'm sorry for my part in it," Rukstales told De Mar on Jan. 7. Illinois CEO arrested during Capitol riots says he was in 'wrong place NBC Chicago could not independently reach Rukstales to verify the remarks. RUKSTALES, Bradley Case Number: 1:21-cr-41 Charge (s): Entering and Remaining in a Restricted Building; Disorderly and Disruptive Conduct in a Restricted Building; Violent Entry and Disorderly Conduct in a Capitol Building; Parading, Demonstrating, or Picketing in a Capitol Building Location of Arrest: DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, Washington Case Status: She told the publication she "never saw anything destructive taking place, but that the group she was in sang the national anthem and Twisted SistersWere Not Gonna Take It.". 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Fired tech CEO Bradley Rukstales pleads to Jan. 6 charges: 'It was the Ives to return donations from Inverness businessman charged in Capitol Campaign finance records show that he contributed thousands of dollars to Donald Trumps 2020 campaign. As with dozens of other defendants who pleaded guilty to that charge, three other charges were dropped at sentencing under the terms of the plea deal. WASHINGTON A former suburban tech CEO was sentenced to 30 days in jail Friday for his role in storming the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. I hope they come for me my videos will show the peace and the lies on the news. Subsequently, Cindy Fitchett, Michael Curzio, Douglas Sweet, Terry Brown, Bradley Rukstales, and Thomas Gallgher were all issued Citations to Appear in the District of Columbia Superior Court on a later date.. In 2020, Rukstales donated around $27,000 to several Republican candidates, including $2,600 to Donald Trump 's campaign. (Libby Andrews). In a statement tweeted by WGN, Rukstales said he followed the crowd inside the Capitol to see what was happening, calling it the single worst personal decision of my life.. Additional photos and posts to STEELE-SMITHs Facebook account include a post stating, Weve stormed the castle., On her Facebook page, the FBI found a conversation in which Steele-Smith stated: "I was there. ", The company said Andrews "acknowledged on social media that she took part in 'storming the Capitol. Detectives were questioning a person who was inside the home at the time. I have no excuse for my actions and wish that I could take them back.. Ives, a former. In the 2020 election cycle, Rukstales gave more than $25,000 to then-President Trump's campaign and Republican committees, according to The Associated Press. Rukstales is the CEO of Cogensia, according to the firm's website. CEO Who Threw Chair Inside Capitol on Jan. 6 Gets Jail Time U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols also ordered Bradley Rukstales, of Inverness, Illinois, to pay $500 in restitution, court records show They released the statement below. Brad Rukstales Pleads Guilty in U.S. Capitol Breach Case - Law & Crime BLM had a free pass all summer. A spokeswoman for. However, his actions on that day should not taint his character, his daughter wrote. We are all fools for believing the government and the news on either side.". Supporters of President Donald Trump storm the steps of the West side of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. He was among those arrested in Washington, D.C. for his role in storming the U.S. Capitol on January 6. He added: "I had nothing to do with charging anybody or anything or any of that. Authorities confirmed Packers identification by comparing photos of him on Jan. 6 to his drivers license picture and through a cooperating witness who said they recognized him as a regular at a store near Newport News. According to the Washington Post, Caldwell began coordinating with the Oath Keepers soon after the election. A Chicago-area tech CEO was arrested and charged with unlawful entry for entering the US Capitol building in the riots on Wednesday, the US Capitol Police said on Thursday. It was the single worst personal decision of my life, the execs statement continued. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. I look forward to putting this chapter behind me with the knowledge that in the years to come I will prove myself worthy of forgiveness by living the values that have guided me as a productive and peaceful citizen for the past 53 years.. Two Trump Supporters From Chicago Suburbs Arrested in D.C. Caldwell, a Navy veteran who worked for the FBI from 2009 to 2010, has been held at the Central Virginia Regional Correctional Facility in Orange since he was arrested at his home on Jan. 19. The death camps gate read, Arbeit mact frei, which translates in English to work makes freedom, the FBI affidavit states. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Heres how. Trump Crazed Insurrectionist Pleads Guilty After Throwing Chair Toward Officers By Caleb Newton - August 31, 2021 53-year-old Bradley Rukstales has now become one of the latest Trump insurrectionists to plead guilty after participating in the Capitol riot. Among other things, he is alleged to have explored plans to bring weapons into Washington, D.C., using pickup trucks or boats to transport them across the Potomac River at a critical moment. Former Chicago-area CEO sentenced to 30 days in prison for role in Jan Bradley Rukstales, 53, of Inverness, Illinois, and the former CEO of data analytics firm Cogensia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols. CEO who threw chair inside Capitol on Jan. 6 gets jail time A person who claimed to have worked with Sidorski at ADESA Washington, D.C., a vehicle auction company in the Dulles area, from sometime in 2016 until April 2020 also informed the FBI they received the same video showing a man inside the Capitol with the American Supremacist sweatshirt. 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", The company said Andrews "acknowledged on social media that she took part in 'storming the Capitol. Rukstales denounced the violence of Jan. 6th in his statement. I am already working on the next D.C. op.. Bradley Rukstales was fired as CEO of the marketing firm Cogensia after he was charged in the riots with one count of illegally entering the Capitol and a count of violent entry or disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds. Hemenway told federal investigators that he entered the U.S. Capitol out of curiosity and stupidity., He [Hemenway] also knew that Vice President Pence was going to announce the Electoral College vote, court documents signed by an FBI special agent said. 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Circled in yellow, Joseph Pavlik, 65, a retired Chicago Fire Department firefighter, was charged with storming the U.S. Capitol with a right-wing militia group on Jan. 6, 2021, while wearing gas masks and carrying chemical irritants. Bradley Rukstales was president and CEO of Cogensia, a tech company in Schaumburg, Ill., when he entered the Capitol with hundreds of radical supporters of former President Donald Trump. Rukstales is the CEO of Cogensia, according to the firms website. He and Sharon have been very supportive of me," said LaRock, who represents Virginia's 33rd District, which includes parts of Clarke, Frederick and Loudoun counties. "This decision was made because Rukstales' actions were inconsistent with the core values of Cogensia," Schlitz said in a statement. That makes us want to run right out and shake their little weasel wording hands: 'Our CEO, Brad Rukstales' participated in the recent Washington DC protests. We've received your submission. Experts say some could face the rarely used seditious conspiracy charge. Bradley Rukstales, 52, of Inverness, was arrested by the Capitol Police and David Fitzgerald, 48, of Roselle, was arrested by the Washington Metropolitan police. Please enter valid email address to continue. He called it "the single worst decision of my life" and said he regrets taking part. American Gulag: Bradley Rukstales Controversy over display by wife of @properties CEO reignites after Trump rally. Cogensia terminated Bradley Rukstales from his position as CEO of the business located in suburban Chicago. Illinois CEO Among 13 Charged in Federal Court After US Capitol Riot The time stamp on the video is 7:21 p.m. Washington time. I look forward to putting this chapter behind me with the knowledge that in the years to come I will prove myself worthy of forgiveness by living the values that have guided me as a productive and peaceful citizen for the past 53 years.. A Chicago real estate agent and admitted big Trump supporter also lost her job for posting on social media about storming the Capitol, the Chicago Tribune reported. In the 2020 election cycle, Rukstales gave more than $25,000 to then-President Trump's campaign and Republican committees, according to The Associated Press. . Rukstales was initially charged with unlawful entry in D.C. Superior Court, and federal prosecutors also later charged him with one count of knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; or knowingly, with intent to impede government business or official functions, engaging in disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds; and one count of violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds. The time is now! Lehr noted that Rukstales traveled from Illinois to attend former President Donald Trumps rally, which devolved into a riot. Rukstales'. The 34-year-old was seen on police body-worn camera footage among a crowd of rioters using sticks and other items as weapons to assault police officers protecting the building. Another suburban Chicago man, a self-employed tattoo artist from Roselle, was also arrested in Washington on Wednesday. I think there will be real violence for all of us next time. He was fired by the company the same day he was hit with federal charges for his role in the riot. Navy veteran cops among VA residents charged Capitol riots Bradley Rukstales pled guilty to parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol. Robertson also stated that he was proud of the photo in an Instagram Post that was shared to Facebook, because he was willing to put skin in the game, according to the FBI documents. Former CEO of Schaumburg firm becomes first Illinoisan to plead guilty I have no idea why he went there, she said of the Trump rally. He picked up one of the chairs and belligerently hurled it in the direction of where the officers had fallen back., Prosecutors noted that officers were dozens of feet away from Rukstales and not in danger of being hit. Rukstales lawyer wrote there was no evidence the chair was even damaged., Federal prosecutors said it took three officers to effectuate the arrest of Rukstales and that Rukstales directly contributed to law enforcement being overwhelmed because it took at least three officers to get him under control during a volatile point in the overall attack on the Capitol.. A U.S. Capitol police officer affidavit filed in the case described the melee. Theres a curfew, another officer said. WASHINGTON, DC Federal authorities are continuing to investigate hundreds of people in connection with the deadly pro-Trump insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. I have no excuse for my actions and wish that I could take them back.. Fitzgerald's wife told NBC 5 her husband was there "to . The lawless destruction of the U.S. Capitol building was an attack against one of our Nations greatest institutions, Acting U.S. Attorney Michael Sherwin said in a statement. Were taking it very seriously.. Bradley Rukstales of Inverness,. . She claimed he did not take part in the storming of the Capitol building. But Andrews, 56, said she was unaware anything illegal was happening. CEO Who Threw Chair Inside Capitol on Jan. 6 Gets Jail Time A Chicago-area tech CEO was fired in January after participating in the Capitol riot. Fired tech CEO from Inverness pleads guilty in US Capitol siege on Jan. 6 Rukstales emphasized that latter point. He later pleaded guilty to count 4. Hemenway pleaded not guilty to the charges against him on Friday, Feb. 12. In a statement Thursday night, Rukstales apologized for his actions. My decision to enter the Capitol was wrong, and I am deeply regretful to have done so, he wrote in his statement. RUKSTALES, Bradley | USAO-DC | Department of Justice Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. He wasnt there with anything malicious in mind.. A state budget with firm fiscal foundation that shows tremendous progress? Or a cynical election-year ploy to buy votes? Charging documents say he "picked up one of the chairs at the bottom of the stairwell, and threw it in the direction of where the officers had retreated down the corridor.". 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. He gave $5,000 to Trumps campaign in October and is a regular contributor to Republican candidates and committees, according to the Federal Election Commission. According to a news release Friday from the Department of Justice, Bradley Rukstales, 52, of Inverness, was charged Thursday with knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; or knowingly, with intent to impede government business or official functions, engaging in disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds; and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds.. Here are the Virginia residents who have been charged in connection with the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. This decision was made because Rukstales actions were inconsistent with the core values of Cogensia. Individuals in the crowd forced entry into the U.S. Capitol, including by breaking windows.. I condemn acts of violence.. Prosecutors used this screenshot of Boyd Camper from a CBS News clip in the federal case against him. The U.S. Capitol Police said Thursday they arrested Bradley Rukstales, who lives in Inverness, and charged him with unlawful entry. "He wasn't involved. My office, along with our law enforcement partners at all levels, have been expeditiously working and leveraging every resource to identify, arrest, and begin prosecuting these individuals who took part in the brazen criminal acts at the U.S. Capitol. She said she traveled to Washington in response to Trumps call for support Big protest in D.C. on January 6th. She was photographed on the east steps not far from the door, wearing a Trump knit cap and making peace signs in a throng of people, but said she did not enter the building. This agent was not only present for these events, she publicly boasted about them and celebrated them.. Brad Rukstales is an Illinois businessman who served as the CEO of data analytics company Cogensia and was among those arrested in Washington, D.C., for his role in storming the U.S. Capitol on. When they stopped him, he allegedly punched a Capitol Police officer repeatedly with a closed fist. The officer was allegedly struck on a helmet and in the chest. I had no idea people were breaking in and that destruction was happening, she said. Fitzgerald's wife told NBC 5 her husband was there "to . Fired CEO pleads guilty after telling judge he threw chair 'carefully Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Entering and remaining in a restricted building, Disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building, Violent entry and disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, Parading demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building. His reporting on the trial of Ghislaine Maxwell was featured on the Starz and Channel 4 documentary "Who Is Ghislaine Maxwell?" I offer my sincere apologies for my indiscretion, and I deeply regret that my actions have brought embarrassment to my family, colleagues, friends and fellow countrymen. CEO who threw chair inside Capitol on Jan. 6 gets jail time Though the company respects diverse political beliefs and the right to peaceful protest, he said, we unequivocally condemn the actions yesterday of the people who crossed police lines, threatened the safety of law enforcement and lawmakers, and attempted to threaten our countrys democratic process. Defendants like Jenna Ryan made post-arrest public statements reflecting a belief that she was immune from punishment because of her social status and a personal message that she would get off Scott free, Rukstales lawyer wrote. Former Schaumburg CEO Sentenced 30 Days for Misdemeanor Demonstrating According to Brad Rukstales wiki, Bio and Biograph, an Illinois businessman who serves as the CEO of a data analytics company. David Fitzgerald, of Roselle, also faces charges of unlawful entry and a curfew violation, according to Metropolitan police. WBEZ brings you fact-based news and information. Bradley Rukstales, CEO of marketing consultancy Cogensia, has reportedly acknowledged entering the Capitol during the riots. A former CEO and Donald Trump donor who stormed the U.S. Capitol and threw a chair in the direction of police officers during the Jan. 6 attack was sentenced to 30 days incarceration on Friday. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. Prosecutors Seek 45-Day Prison Sentence For Bradley Rukstales, First . He was among 13 charged Thursday with various federal offenses, many for unlawful entry, according to the Department of Justice. Ex-CEO of Chicago-area tech firm sentenced for role in Capitol riot ", Rukstales, of Inverness, was charged Thursday with "knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; or knowingly, with intent to impede government business or official functions, engaging in disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds; and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds.". Earlier this year, Rukstales, of Inverness, pleaded guilty to the following charges for taking part in the Capitol riot. Officers then took Leffingwell into custody, it said. The men, 23, were exiting a building about 2 a.m. in the 100 block of West Kinzie Street when a fight broke out between them and three other people. On Jan. 7, a tip came into the FBIs National Threat Operations Center claiming that Robert Bauer, Hemenways cousin, posted photos inside the Capitol after attending the Stop the Steal rally. Tech CEO Brad Rukstales, Who Stormed Capitol, Calls It Worst Decision Politically, my father and I are on opposite sides. The company said in a news release that Rukstales actions were inconsistent with the core values of Cogensia. When asked about the claim, the Capitol Police directed Check Your Fact to a press release showing a list of 14 people arrested at the Capitol that day, 10 of which were arrested for "unlawful entry." Some of those named, including Bradley Rukstales and Michael Curzio, admitted to being inside the building when they were arrested.