A Louisiana man has been handed down a sentence in connection to his activities during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Identified as 51-year-old Willard Purkel from Covington, the man faced both felony and misdemeanor charges for his role in the events that disrupted a joint session of Congress meant to ratify the 2020 presidential election results.

According to a release from the Department of Justice, Purkel was convicted on five counts, including civil disorder, and several misdemeanors related to disorderly conduct and unlawful entry. On Thursday, U.S. District Chief Judge James E. Boasberg sentenced Purkel to 60 days in prison, nine months of supervised release, and a restitution payment of $2,000.

Court documents revealed that Purkel violated the restricted perimeter around the Capitol and joined in with a crowd that forcibly entered through the East Rotunda Doors. He was among the individuals who pushed against the police, thus preventing them from closing the doors and blocking the influx of rioters. Later, he was part of a group that pushed through to the Rotunda despite efforts by law enforcement to stop the entry.

The arrest of Purkel came on November 30, 2023, as part of a widespread investigation by the FBI’s New Orleans and Washington Field Offices, supported by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department. Since the January 6 incident, over 1,504 people have been charged for their involvement, with the count including more than 560 individuals facing felonies for assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The Department of Justice confirms that the investigation is still, active and ongoing.