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United States v. Nichols
Case No. 1:21-cr-00117 · U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia · 10 federal charges · Judge Hon. Thomas F. Hogan (pretrial & detention, 2021–2023); Hon. Royce C. Lamberth (plea, sentencing & judgment, 2023–2025)
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Evidence the DOJ Tried to Erase
The scrubbed federal record — preserved and hash-verified.
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Accountability Index
Everyone named in the record, grouped by agency.
The Nexus
Force-directed graph of the co-defendant network.
The Timeline
Every arrest and sentencing, month by month.
The Geography
Every J6 defendant plotted by home state.
Sep 19, 2022
FBI Statement of Facts — Rebecca Lavrenz
Five-page probable-cause affidavit describing the government’s identification and surveillance timeline for Rebecca Lavrenz. Allegations and characterizations remain attributed to the FBI filing.
ReadSep 16, 2022
DOJ record of Anthony Williams 60-month sentence
The Justice Department reported a 60-month prison term, 36 months of supervised release, $2,000 restitution and a $5,000 fine. The later Fischer-related vacatur is recorded separately.
ReadSep 16, 2022
Notes on C-2B: jail conditions Sept 7-16
Handwritten contemporaneous log of conditions in C-2B unit dated Sept 7-16. Documents flooding in Room 32, Officer Scott making detainees stop containing flood, no hot water multiple days, dark brown drinking water, Cpl. Armstrong kicking door into Ryans head, incomplete food trays, Oath Keepers/Proud Boys served without quarantine, grievance filed.
ReadSep 15, 2022
Government Opposition — page 2 of 9 (Aug 29 and Sept 5 incidents)
Government characterizes Aug 29 incident as routine 2-week laptop rotation. Sept 5 incident: another inmate allegedly assaulted jail official; pepper spray deployed; Nichols allegedly visible.
ReadSep 15, 2022
Government Opposition — page 3 of 9 (Legal Standard)
Government continues: Nichols allegedly held chair threateningly, transferred to Central Virginia Regional Jail. Legal Standard section cites Lee and Thorne; emphasizes § 3142(i) is granted sparingly.
ReadSep 15, 2022
Government Opposition — page 4 of 9 (§ 3142(g) Factors)
Government argues § 3142(g) factors continue weighing for detention. Cites Chrestman factors, ECF 75 prior order, characterizes Nichols statements about war and second American revolution.
ReadSep 15, 2022
Government Opposition — page 5 of 9
Government Argument II: no compelling reason. Notes drive only taken for 90 minutes; argues Ali was reversed on appeal; characterizes the Sept 5 incident as not compelling.
ReadSep 15, 2022
Government Opposition — page 6 of 9
Argument II.B: length of pretrial detention and complexity not compelling reasons. Government concedes 19 months 28 days detention but argues no due process violation.
ReadSep 15, 2022
Government Opposition — page 7 of 9
Government cites cases finding longer detentions (5+ years, 4+ years, 37 mo, 33 mo, 31 mo, 30 mo) did not violate due process. Lists continuances Nichols joined.
ReadSep 15, 2022
Government Opposition — page 8 of 9
Government represents no prosecution team possessed/reviewed thumb drive. Dismisses arguments about FBI/Whitmer/Mar-a-Lago. Argument II.C: jail conditions complaints irrelevant since Nichols is no longer at DC Jail.
ReadSep 15, 2022
Government Opposition — page 9 of 9 (Conclusion, signatures)
Conclusion: government requests Court deny Nichols motion. Signed by Matthew M. Graves (USA), Douglas B. Brasher (AUSA, Dallas), and Sarah W. Rocha (Trial Attorney).
ReadSep 15, 2022
Government Opposition to Motion for Pretrial Release — page 1 of 9
Government opposition to defendant motion for pretrial release (Doc 161). Argues 18 U.S.C. § 3142(g) factors still weigh for detention; cites December 23, 2021 Memorandum Opinion (ECF 75).
ReadSep 13, 2022
Email: Attorney Gross to USMS Marshal Ruffin re Ryan Nichols Transfer
Email exchange dated Sept 13, 2022 between attorney Jonathan Gross and U.S. Marshal Lamont Ruffin (cc: Joseph McBride, SDUSM Derek Haywood). Marshal Ruffin cites Judiciary Act of 1789 and Title 28 USC for authority over remanded prisoners; refuses to share move policy. Gross challenges sudden transfer of a pretrial detainee without notice to counsel or family.
ReadSep 13, 2022
Marshal Ruffin reply to Gross re USMS authority/policy on Nichols transfer (Sep 13 2022)
Sept 13 2022 12:17 PM email from US Marshal (A) Lamont Ruffin (Lamont.Ruffin@usdoj.gov) responding to attorney Jonathan Gross. Cites Judiciary Act of 1789 and 28 USC, asserts USMS authority over District Court prisoners, refuses to share policy (suggests FOIA), states moves were within policy and movement details not provided to anyone until completed. Designates SDUSM Haywood as contact. Includes Grosss earlier Sept 13 12:06 PM reply asking who is the immediate custodian and to identify the policy authorizing sudden transfer of a pretrial detainee without informing him, counsel, or family.
ReadSep 12, 2022
Atty Jonathan Gross to USMS Marshal Lamont Ruffin re Nichols transfer (Sep 12 2022)
Sep 12 2022 3:15 PM email from defense attorney Jonathan Gross (Clevenger Firm) to U.S. Marshals Service Marshal Lamont Ruffin (LRuffin@usms.doj.gov), cc atty Joseph McBride (jmcbride@mcbridelawnyc.com). Reports that an unannounced transfer activity involving Nichols occurred at the DC Jail; DC Jail counsel said Nichols was in US Marshals custody and to contact Ruffin. Demands information on what happened and Marshals plans for Nichols.
ReadSep 12, 2022
Email thread: Marshal Ruffin confirms Nichols moved to Rappahannock Regional Jail (Sep 12 2022)
Tail of email thread between attorney Gross and US Marshal (A) Lamont J. Ruffin (DC). Ruffins Sep 12 2022 5:10 PM message confirms Nichols transferred to Rappahannock Regional Jail (RRJ, rrj.state.va.us); says transportation logistics not discussed until movement is completed, Court was made aware, Nichols remains at RRJ until further notice. Gross prior message demands info shared with the court to justify the sudden transfer. Includes Ruffins full signature block (333 Constitution Ave NW Room 1500, Washington DC 20001, 202-353-0607).
ReadSep 12, 2022
Email: DC DOC GC Eric Glover Confirms USMS Picked Up Nichols
Sept 12, 2022 email exchange between Jonathan Gross and Eric S. Glover, General Counsel for DC Department of Corrections (cc: McBride, Andrew Mazzuchelli/DOC). Glover confirms Mr. Nichols, a federal defendant, was picked up by USMS today and is technically in USMS custody; DC DOC does not know where he is being housed.
ReadSep 12, 2022
Email: Gross Confirms DC DOC Cant Locate Nichols, USMS Has Custody
Sept 12, 2022 12:42 PM email from Jonathan Gross to Eric Glover (DC DOC General Counsel), cc McBride. Gross confirms in writing Glovers statement that DC DOC is not Nicholss immediate custodian, only houses him for USMS because there is no federal facility in DC, and that USMS (Lamont Ruffin) can take him at any time for any reason.
ReadSep 12, 2022
Email: Gross to USMS Ruffin re Sudden Transfer from DC Jail
Sept 12, 2022 3:15 PM email from Jonathan Gross (The Clevenger Firm) to U.S. Marshal Lamont Ruffin (cc: Joseph McBride). Gross reports learning of activity at the DC Jail involving a possible transfer of Mr. Nichols without notice to attorneys or family; DC Jail counsel deflected to USMS as actual custodians. Requests information about transfer plans.
ReadSep 12, 2022
Email: USMS Ruffin Confirms Transfer to Rappahannock Regional Jail (RRJ)
Continuation of Gross/USMS email chain. Sept 12, 2022 5:10 PM email from U.S. Marshal Lamont J. Ruffin (D.C., 333 Constitution Ave NW Room 1500) confirming Mr. Nichols was transferred to Rappahannock Regional Jail (RRJ). Ruffin says Court was made aware of transfer and Nichols will remain at RRJ until further notice. Gross asks for justification provided to the court.
ReadSep 11, 2022
DC DOC Complaint 9/11/22 - 72hr solitary, denied attorney, Deputy Warden Lonita Tortura
DC DOC Complaint by Ryan Nichols dated 9/11/22 regarding being held in punitive solitary confinement 50+ hours (close to 72) without disciplinary hearing, denied secure call with attorney despite asking. Cites pretrial detainee constitutional right not to be punished until found guilty. Names Deputy Warden Tortura. Cruel and unusual punishment claim.
ReadSep 11, 2022
Grievance tracker - 15/15/20/30 business day escalation chart
Handwritten grievance tracking spreadsheet logging dates of complaints (8/8/22 through 9/11/22) and escalation deadlines at 15, 15, 20, 30 business days for issues like Protest Phones Tablets, Outdoor Rec, Cpl Carter Doors, LT Lancaster, denial of shower after being sprayed, locked in cell, etc.
ReadSep 9, 2022
DC DOC Complaint 9/9/22 - hard drives with FBI/habeas materials seized
Second DC DOC Inmate Complaint Form same date by Ryan Nichols. Documents being placed in administrative segregation/solitary confinement by Lt. Lancaster (Capt. Lancaster) on false allegations, with hard drives containing attorney-client privileged notes, FBI reports, and habeas corpus case information CONFISCATED AND NEVER RETURNED. Major Sixth Amendment / due process violation.
ReadSep 9, 2022
DC DOC Complaint 9/9/22 - Sgt. Stevens (Badge 8463) denied mental health, choking
Third DC DOC Complaint Form same date by Ryan Nichols regarding Sgt. Stevens (Badge 8463) escorting him to medical, denying access to mental health worker, and physically assaulting him - putting hand over his mouth and yanking his chain to make him bleed. Direct evidence of physical abuse during detention.
ReadSep 9, 2022
DC DOC Inmate Complaint Form 9/9/22 - chemicals/Lt. Lancaster
Official DC Department of Corrections Inmate Informal Resolution Complaint Form (PP 4030.1) filed by Ryan Nichols (DCDC# 376795) on 9/9/22. Incident 9/5/22-9/6/22 at 11:39 AM, Unit South 1, alleging Lt. Lancaster violently assaulted Ronald [Dr...] with OC spray; Ryan also sprayed and caught chemicals; cells went without chemicals being decontaminated for nearly 24 hours. Direct evidence of jail mistreatment relevant to compensation.
ReadSep 8, 2022
Doc 156 p2: Lancaster maced Maccabees, 15 witness statements
Page 2 of 4 (Doc 156). Describes Lancaster macing Maccabees unprovoked, then claiming He assaulted me. Lancaster grabbed and threw Maccabees against wall. Nichols pushed a chair to ground in spontaneous outburst of frustration but did not advance/threaten. Lancaster maced him too. 15 witnesses signed statements on behalf of Nichols and Maccabees. Nichols charged with inciting riot.
ReadSep 8, 2022
Doc 156 p3: No detox bath, mental health denied, Spanish grievance form
Page 3 of 4 (Doc 156). Details aftermath: 24-hour shower denial after chemical spray, scolded staff after 36 hours, mental health visits canceled ("Fuck you. You aint going to see mental health"), attorney-client materials and discovery confiscated, electronic grievance shut off, staff gave him grievance form written in Spanish and laughed, no pen. Argues Lancasters cruelty retaliation for habeas petition.
ReadSep 8, 2022
Doc 156: Supplement to Emergency Pretrial Release p1 - Lancaster assault
Page 1 of 4 of Defendants Supplement to Emergency Motion for Immediate Pretrial Release (Doc 156). Describes Sept 5 2022 incident where Lt. Lancaster (named in habeas petition) entered Nichols cell block and pushed pretrial detainee Maccabees over masking dispute during medication distribution.
ReadSep 8, 2022
Motion to Dismiss All Charges (Doc 155) page 1 with Ryans annotations
Page 1 of 5 of Motion to Dismiss All Charges in US v Nichols Case 1:21-CR-117 (TFH), filed Sept 8 2022. Argues Bidens Sept 1 2022 prime-time anti-MAGA speech poisoned the jury pool. Heavily annotated by Ryan with terms gerrymandering, lobbying, voting rights, impossible political influence, no process more sacred than the right of the Accused to a fair trial.
ReadSep 8, 2022
Motion to Dismiss page 2: Bidens 31 anti-MAGA statements (1-12)
Page 2 of 5 of Motion to Dismiss All Charges (Doc 155). Quotes statements 1-12 from Bidens Sept 1 2022 speech labeling MAGA Republicans an extremist threat, claiming they do not respect the Constitution, do not believe in rule of law, and look at January 6th mob as patriots.
ReadSep 8, 2022
Motion to Dismiss page 3: Bidens 31 statements (13-27)
Page 3 of 5 of Motion to Dismiss All Charges (Doc 155). Continues quoting Biden statements 13-27 calling MAGA Republicans a clear and present danger to democracy, citing Judge Michael Luttig, claiming MAGA cant be pro-insurrectionist and pro-American.
ReadSep 8, 2022
Motion to Dismiss page 4: Bidens speech conclusion, US v Thomas cite
Page 4 of 5 of Motion to Dismiss (Doc 155). Finishes statements 28-31 from Bidens speech, argues President backlit by red and flanked by Marines, incited nation to hate J6 defendants, cites United States v. Thomas, 22 M.J. 388, 393 (C.M.A. 1986), and moves to dismiss the indictment in its entirety.
ReadSep 8, 2022
Motion to Dismiss (ECF 155)
The defense motion to dismiss the case, September 2022.
ReadSep 8, 2022
Motion to Dismiss page 5: McBride signature and certificate of service
Page 5 of 5 of Motion to Dismiss (Doc 155). Signed Joseph D. McBride Esq., Bar ID NY0403, The McBride Law Firm PLLC, 99 Park Avenue 6th Floor, New York NY 10016, jmcbride@mcbridelawnyc.com. Certificate of Service dated September 8, 2022 via ECF.
ReadSep 8, 2022
Doc 156 p4: McBride signature & certificate of service
Page 4 of 4 (Doc 156). Signature page for Supplement to Emergency Pretrial Release Motion. McBride signature dated September 8 2022. Cert of service dates 11th day of August 2022.
ReadSep 6, 2022
9/6/22 Events log: LT Munoz, Sowannii, Nhuindo
Handwritten contemporaneous timeline of events on 9/6/22: 8:50am LT Munoz served paperwork, refused to sign, said not guilty; 9:45 asked Sowannii for IGPs, shower, medical forms; 10:30am shower by officer Sowannii; 1:30pm gave Sowannii witness list with only 3 forms; 6:25pm asked Nhuindo about witness statements.
ReadSep 6, 2022
Issues in C-4 log 9/4-9/6/22 - rec times denied
Detailed log of daily rec-time denials in cell block C-4 between 9/4/22 and 9/6/22 - naming Officer Purcell, 1st Sgt, Ms Berry, and Officer Carl, calculating lost minutes.
ReadSep 5, 2022
Ryans 9/5/22 IGP Complaint Form re: LT Lancaster macing Ronald McAfee
DC DOC Inmate Informal Resolution Complaint Form (PP 4030.1 Attachment C) filed by Ryan Nichols DCDC #376795, Unit C2B, 9/5/22. Reports LT Lancaster came to C2B at 11:40am, told inmates we are locking down, moved towards Ronald McAfee, pushed him, denied medication, and sprayed him with OC spray for not wearing a mask. Signed by Ryan.
ReadSep 4, 2022
IGP Complaint 9/4/22: Toilet paper denied, supervisor refusal w/ case cites
DC DOC IGP Complaint by Ryan Nichols 376795 C2B dated 9/4/22 12:05am. Last night watched in utter horror as Kosh Kelly begged for toilet paper, was denied toilet paper until a CO showed up. Multiple inmates asked to speak to white shirt supervisor, told no. Cites Sellars v. Beto 409 U.S. 968, Mitchell v. Aluminum, Hoptowit v. Spellman 753 F.2d 779.
ReadSep 1, 2022
DOJ plea record — Julian Khater
The Justice Department reported that Khater pleaded guilty on September 1, 2022 to two felony counts of assaulting, resisting, or impeding officers with a dangerous weapon.
ReadSep 1, 2022
DOJ sentencing record — Thomas Webster
DOJ reported a ten-year prison sentence, three years of supervised release, and $2,060 restitution. The D.C. Circuit opinion separately records a $510 special assessment.
ReadSep 1, 2022
IGP Complaint 9/1/22: Cpl Carter midnight cell checks, sleep deprivation
DC DOC IGP Complaint by Ryan Nichols 376795 C2B dated 9/1/22. Reports Cpl Carter and Cpl Sutherland came to C2B at midnight shift change opening doors loudly to check on things, despite his door having no issues. Cpl Carter also did this at 2am and 4am previously. Cites inmate handbook page 5 forbidding it. Witnessed by Kenneth Thornton 377692.
ReadSep 1, 2022
IGP Complaint 9/1/22: Denied outdoor rec, grass isnt mowed excuse
DC DOC IGP Complaint by Ryan Nichols 376795 C2B dated 9/1/22 1:00pm. Once again denied outdoor recreation by DC DOC; officers claim grass isnt mowed yet inmates can literally see the rec yard and it was just mowed. Argues being lied to. Sunlight deprivation adding stress. Witnessed by Kenneth Thornton.
ReadSep 1, 2022
IGP Complaint 9/1/22: LT Lancaster sleep deprivation after Cpl Carter
DC DOC IGP Complaint by Ryan Nichols 376795 C2B dated 9/1/22. After being deprived of sleep last night by Cpl Carter, LT Lancaster came in 8-9am and woke him from dead sleep just to yell and knock on doors - further depriving sleep. He had trouble sleeping. Cites retaliation and collaboration with Cpl Carter as common occurrence treating others in torturous manner. The noise alone is driving him crazy.
ReadSep 1, 2022
IGP Complaint 9/1/22: LT Lancaster yelling, Deputy Director never came
DC DOC IGP Complaint by Ryan Nichols 376795 C2B dated 9/1/22 6pm. LT Lancaster came in at 8am waking inmates, banging on doors, yelling, stirring up negative energy in pod over Deputy Director visit supposed to inspect. Deputy Director never came. Twisted attack on the heels of Cpl Carter harassing them last night.
ReadSep 1, 2022
The Final Call - p2 Officer Holmes, Scott Fairlamb, Sep 1 Chaplain
Page 2 of Ryan Nichols The Final Call essay. Officers told detainees they would be stabbed and killed for being white and Trump Supporters. June 1: Officer Holmes ran into Scott Fairlambs cell threatening Beat his ass for singing the National Anthom and God Bless America, told entire unit to Shut the Fuck Up and Fuck America. Sep 1: Chaplain rounds passing out The Final Call newspaper that inspired the essay title.
ReadAug 30, 2022
Emergency Motion for Immediate Pre-Trial Release — page 1 of 12
Cover page of Defendant Ryan Taylor Nichols emergency motion for immediate pre-trial release and request for emergency hearing, filed 08/30/22 in case 21-cr-117-1(TFH).
ReadAug 30, 2022
Emergency Motion for Release — page 10 of 12
Argues complexity factors: 1512(c)(2) charge dismissed in Miller, J6 Committee TV show, Biden speech same day, Michigan Whitmer FBI plot revelations.
ReadShowing 577–624 of 1,866 documents