The MTA worker arrested this month for his part in the January 6 invasion of the United States Capitol is a member of the Proud Boys, federal officials say – and now faces more serious charges of conspiracy and civil disorder.
William Pepe, 31, of Beacon, NY, said he was ill because of his job at Metro-North to attend the rally in Washington, DC, which ended in a riot, the Post reported.
He was indicted on new charges in a federal court in the District of Columbia on Friday, according to the Justice Department.
The new charge came two weeks after Pepe’s arrest on January 12 on charges of illegally entering the Capitol building.
DOJ lawyers identified Pepe and Rochester resident Dominic “Spaz” Pezzola, 43, as members of the Proud Boys who “became involved in a conspiracy to obstruct, influence, prevent and interfere with the police” by removing metal barricades for control of crowds and robbing the Capitol Police property.
Pezzola is facing additional charges stemming from allegations that he broke a window on Capitol Hill with a stolen police shock shield.
It was the first conspiracy action against members of the right-wing group Proud Boys, who call themselves “Western chauvinists” and are known for their violent clashes with protesters Black Lives Matter and Antifa.
Pepe was suspended from his $ 73,000 a year job while MTA officials seek his resignation.