Iced Earth guitarist Jon Schaffer has formally been sentenced for his position within the January 6, 2021 riot on the U.S. Capitol constructing. After the U.S. authorities provided their suggestion for sentencing earlier this month, the official sentence was granted on Friday (Oct. 25).

Schaffer has been sentenced to 3 years of probation and 120 hours of group service. He will even must pay $1,000 in restitution and a $200 monetary evaluation as effectively.

How Does Schaffer’s Sentence Compare to What the U.S. Government Recommended?

On Oct. 14, the U.S. authorities issued a memorandum by which they addressed what they felt Schaffer’s sentencing needs to be. In the memorandum, they recommended three years of supervised probation. The authorities additionally requested for $2,000 paid in restitution in addition to a compulsory $200 particular evaluation cost.

What Jon Schaffer Said About His Sentencing

In the aftermath of the sentencing, Schaffer issued a prolonged public assertion on the matter. It might be learn in full under:

To my household, mates, and followers worldwide:

I profoundly remorse my actions on January sixth, 2021. I haven’t been an ideal man, however for nearly all of my life, I’ve been a really productive man, and have tried to reside my life with integrity and a disciplined work ethic. I deeply love our nation and the founding ideas which have impressed individuals from everywhere in the world to take a look at the USA as a beacon of hope for all of humanity. Having traveled the world for over 30 years and having carried out in roughly 100 nations, it was all the time an excellent feeling and aid when the airplane would safely land at residence on US soil.

When the worldwide pandemic came across us, and chaos ensued throughout the US in 2020, I used to be very involved about what gave the impression to be a collapse of our nation and the rule of legislation. When the 2020 election happened and I noticed many public officers and media shops reporting that the election was stolen, my concern deepened. This led to my determination to go to D.C. and have my voice heard. I’m not excusing my impulsive habits. I used to be improper, and I take possession of my actions. I personal the truth that I made an enormous mistake, and I want I by no means would have gone there. In reality, the results have been devastating on my life, household, mates, enterprise, colleagues and enterprise companions.

I knew instantly that I had let my feelings get one of the best of me and made a horrible mistake. I drove residence to Indiana the next morning on Thursday, January seventh, 2021. On the eighth I discovered my attorneys, and at my request they instantly reached out to the authorities. I willingly surrendered and cooperated with authorities. Initially, I used to be charged with a number of severe federal felony offenses and feared I’ll spend the remainder of my life in jail. I spent a number of months in custody following my self-surrender. I used to be positioned in solitary confinement with horrendous circumstances, which was a particularly traumatic expertise. I turned the primary particular person of the a whole lot of co-defendants to enter a responsible plea, and have now been sentenced to probation.

Until now, I’ve resisted the sturdy urge to concern a public assertion because of my ongoing cooperation and the needs of federal authorities. This prolonged interval of silence has added extra challenges to my life as a public particular person. Since the start, I needed to specific my regret for my actions and deal with the respectable considerations of my followers worldwide. I watched as one media outlet after the following dragged my fame by means of the mud and condemned me for not making any assertion. However, I attempted to be as productive as doable in lieu of my very broken fame and profession.

This complete state of affairs has been extraordinarily tough. However, I do know that I’ve turn into a greater man due to it. I used to remain so busy that I didn’t have a lot time for self-reflection. In the final three and a half years that’s principally what I’ve carried out. I’ve turn into a member of an exquisite church and improved myself spiritually, mentally, and bodily. This private revival has impressed me to proceed writing and recording music. I’m sure there can be a really constructive outlook in my future inventive creations.

To my followers who’ve continued to assist me all through this deeply embarrassing ordeal, I wish to apologize for letting you down and thanks for retaining me going. To these followers who I’ve misplaced because of my choices that day, I definitely perceive. I humbly ask everybody to permit me to show by means of my actions how far I’ve come. I want to proceed to make use of my artwork to unite individuals, and by no means to divide.

Sincerely,
Jon Schaffer

Why the U.S. Government Only Sought Probation

As a part of the memorandum, the federal government states, “Such a sentence would be sufficient to reflect the seriousness of this offense while also accounting for the three months defendant was detained following his arrest, the defendant’s early acceptance of responsibility, and the substantial assistance he has provided to law enforcement pursuant to his cooperation plea agreement.”

What Jon Schaffer Did on January 6

On Jan. 6, 2021, Schaffer was amongst those that stormed the Capitol Building making an attempt to cease the switch the ability of the presidency from Donald Trump to Joe Biden as the federal government was set to certify the outcomes of the earlier yr’s election.

The musician was amongst these photographed amidst the mob storming the constructing. Per the memorandum, he was one of many first six individuals to have breached the Capitol by means of the doorways on the northwest facet of the constructing. Schaffer was noticed sporting a tactical vest and a hat that learn “Oath Keepers Lifetime Member.” He was additionally carrying a can of bear spray.

The memorandum states that Schaffer’s participation was not random and that he had been aware about among the communications of Oath Keepers chief Elmer Stewart Rhodes III concerning the march on Washington, D.C. to oppose the election outcomes.

However, the memorandum said that Schaffer was not concerned within the planning or coordination of the assault nor was he a part of the encrypted chats detailing the operation. He additionally didn’t enter the Capitol constructing with the Oath Keepers regardless of donning the group’s hat. Therefore, he was not charged as a part of the Oath Keepers conspiracy.

READ MORE: <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ex-Iced Earth Vocalist Stu Block Has No Hate for Jon Schaffer</span>

The memorandum additionally said that Schaffer was contained in the Capitol constructing for underneath 10 minutes and didn’t immediately inflict hurt on any officers or trigger any property injury throughout his entry into the constructing.

In the aftermath of Schaffer’s participation within the Jan. 6 riot, the remaining members of Iced Earth all give up the band. At current, Schaffer stays the one present band member of the group.