Northern Virginia Man Who Bragged About Capitol Riot Crimes Found Guilty

Photo byUS Department of Justice

WASHINGTON, DC – A Virginia man was found guilty of felony and misdemeanor charges for his participation in the January 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol.

According to a Department of Justice media release, Robert William DeGregoris, of Aldie, Virginia, was found guilty of the felony of civil disorder, and misdemeanor offenses of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, and impeding passage through the Capitol grounds or building.

According to evidence presented during his trial, DeGregoris was identified in publicly available images and open-source video in the lower west terrace of the Capitol Building. This area, also known as the “Tunnel,” was the site of some of the most violent attacks against law enforcement on January 6.

Footage shows DeGregoris climbing the side of the building’s entrance and attempting to forcibly enter the area. Video footage then shows DeGregoris possibly striking the helmet of a nearby officer. Despite being sprayed with pepper spray, DeGregoris continued to join other rioters in pushing against the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) front line for several minutes. He was also observed assisting other rioters by helping to push a ladder toward the MPD officers.

DeGregoris later posted a selfie on social media with the caption, “Took some pepper spray & tear gas breaching the front doors….Worth it."

He was arrested in Virginia on January 25, 2023.

Aldie is an unincorporated community located in Loudoun County and about 12 miles south of Leesburg.

DeGregoris, 33, was convicted following a bench trial before U.S. District Judge Rudolph Contreras. On February 7, 2025, he will be sentenced by the same judge.