Haddonfield Relationship Strategist Patrick Stedman Arrested For Alleged Role In Storming US Capitol
HADDONFIELD, N.J. (CBS) -- The FBI on Thursday arrested a dating and relationship strategist from Haddonfield in connection with the U.S. Capitol riots. Prosecutors say Patrick Stedman chronicled his storming of the building online.
CBS3's knock on the door of a Haddonfield house led to no response from the person who briefly opened the door. But earlier Thursday afternoon, it was a different scene when Federal Bureau of Investigation agents visited the same home.
The home is that of 32-year-old Patrick Stedman. His Twitter account shows he's a dating and relationship coach.
It's the same account where the FBI alleges he posted video, pictures and tweets showing his involvement in the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol building riot.
"He's charged with two misdemeanor federal offenses -- one is trespassing and the other is essentially obstructing a governmental function," said Rocco Cipprione, Stedman's attorney.
Cipprione says the evidence against his client does not show him in any violent situations.
"What the complaint alleged was that he was present at the Capitol and inside the Capitol building. There were no allegations of violence on his part. No allegations of weapons or force used on his part," Cipprione said.
According to the FBI affidavit, Stedman posted multiple videos and pictures showing him inside the Capitol building that afternoon, including a tweet stating, "highly, HIGHLY recommend all patriots come to DC on the 6th. This will be a turning point in our nation. If you are coming DC me. Assembling a TEAM."
"He was there for a peaceful protest, and I think the Twitter accounts that were represented in the affidavits support that," Cipprione said.
Stedman's attorney says the government wanted his client held without bail, but a judge denied that.
Stedman is now at home. His travel is restricted to New Jersey, New York and Washington D.C.
His next hearing is scheduled via Zoom next week. Stedman has pled not guilty on all counts.
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