Native of Central NY Sentenced to 5-Year Prison Term for Role in Jan. 6 Riot, Describes it as Worst Day of His Life.

Jeffrey Sabol, a former geophysicist from Utica, was convicted of various charges related to the assault of a Capitol police officer during the U.S. Capitol riots in January 2021. Sabol, who presently resides in Colorado, was sentenced to 63 months in prison on Thursday.

Sabol was found guilty last August for crimes including robbery, assault, and obstructing an official proceeding. The trial followed his participation in the notorious riot outside the Capitol that shook the nation. The latter offense signified his role in disrupting the Congress’s certification of the 2020 presidential election results.

The ex-geophysicist’s attack on a Capitol officer was captured by security cameras. The footage clearly portrayed Sabol dragging the officer down a flight of stairs. The officer was then beaten and kicked by a frenzied mob of rioters.

Furthermore, the officer was assaulted with a flagpole by the mob. This violent act further emphasized the extreme actions taken by the rioters during the event. Sabol’s severe sentence is closely connected to his direct involvement in this grim assault.

This case underlines the serious legal consequences faced by participants in the Capitol siege. Sabol’s punishment serves as a stark reminder that those engaging in violent and disruptive acts face severe penalties, irrespective of their professional backgrounds or current residences.