COLUMBIA – A Gilbert man linked to the United States Capitol riots in January pleaded guilty to making threatening calls to a former federal prosecutor about information released about alt-right group leader Proud Boys.
During a Feb. 3 search of the Lexington County man’s residence, FBI agents found several items, including a shield from the U.S. Capitol Police, which the federal police said in court documents showing James’s “probable cause” Giannakos Jr. have participated in the crowd that invaded the capital. The riots were an effort to prevent Congress from certifying the results of the 2020 presidential election.
Shock equipment and a Washington DC subway map, confiscated in February by FBI agents from a Gilbert home where James Giannakos Jr. lived, according to court documents. Giannakos was not charged in connection with the January 6 riot, but he pleaded guilty to threatening a former federal prosecutor. US Department of Justice / Provided
The FBI also confiscated a “shock bag” that contained a map of the District of Columbia subway system, eye protection, a bicycle helmet, a tactical vest with rigid plates, baton, flashlight, masks and gloves, according to with a search warrant filed in federal court.
The event, which followed a rally held by then President Donald Trump, resulted in the deaths of five people – a Capitol police officer and four protesters – in addition to more than 100 wounded.
No reason was given in the court record why federal authorities did not charge Giannakos for his alleged involvement in the riot.
This month, however, Giannakos signed a court agreement for threatening a former Florida prosecutor and his employer. The caller was upset about the news that the Proud Boys’ leader, Enrique Tarrio, was an FBI informant.
“If anything happens to Mr. Enrique Tarrio, the same thing will happen to you and your family,” said the transcript of a voice message from a phone number linked to Giannakos’ residence that was included in the court’s documents.
The man at the mailbox, who introduced himself as James, was furious at the disclosure of information about a confidential informant who was allegedly Tarrio, according to a deposition filed in federal court.
“If anything happens to him, I promise you and your associates will pay for it. You will be held responsible,” continued the voicemail.
Messages left in the voicemails of other employees of the former prosecutor’s law firm demanded that the attorney be prosecuted, telling an official that the “family of the federal attorney is in danger and so are you,” according to the transcript included in a sworn statement.
Giannakos pleaded guilty to the crime of making an interstate threat and faces up to five years in prison and a $ 250,000 fine. But federal prosecutors will lobby for a lower sentence in exchange for his cooperation in identifying and testifying against others involved in crimes of which he is aware, which could include other participants in the Capitol riot.
At least four other Southern Carolinians have so far been arrested for their roles in the violation of the Capitol.
William Robert Norwood III, 37, of Greer faces charges, including theft of government property for allegedly stealing a policeman’s helmet and tactical vest, which an FBI agent said was later found in a storage trailer in Greenville.
Andrew Hatley was accused of breaking into the United States Capitol after an investigation that was based on GPS data and a selfie that the man allegedly took inside the building.
And two 19-year-olds from the Fort Mill area – Elias Irizarry, a Citadel cadet, and Elliot Bishai, a US Army recruit – were each charged with three federal misdemeanors for entering a restricted building and disorderly conduct. on the Capitol grounds.
