NPR News

Ohio Couple Tied To Far-Right Militia Charged In U.S. Capitol Breach

By Associated Press

Published February 19, 2021 at 6:54 PM EST

Rioters try to break through a police barrier, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington, D.C. [John Minchillo / AP] — Rioters try to break through a police barrier at the Capitol in Washington, Jan. 6, 2021.

The FBI says an Ohio couple linked to the Oath Keepers militia group were among those involved in last month's breach of the U.S. Capitol.

A criminal complaint names 60-year-old Sandra Parker and her husband, 70-year-old Bennie Parker, both of Warren County in southwestern Ohio. They face charges including conspiracy and destruction of government property.

The complaint filed in federal court in Washington, D.C., accuses Sandra Parker of entering the Capitol on January 6 with other members of the Oath Keepers. The complaint says Bennie Parker stayed outside while communicating with those inside. Both were "dressed in a uniform consisting of camouflaged-combat attire."

Messages seeking comment were left for their attorneys.

Criminal complaints filed by the U.S. Justice Department call the Oath Keepers a "large but loosely organized collection of militia who believe that the federal government has been coopted by a shadowy conspiracy that is trying to strip American citizens of their rights."

The Parkers are the latest of several Ohioans charged over their involvement in the insurrection.

Champaign County residents Jessica Watkins and Donovan Crowl, both members of the Ohio State Regular Militia – a subset of the Oath Keepers – face three charges apiece. Watkins is accused of recruiting others to join militia training ahead of the inauguration, and helped coordinate a group of militia members in breaching the Capitol.

The recent criminal complaint includes communications between the Parkers and Watkins ahead of, during and following the riot.

"I've been following FBI wanted list, seems they're only interested in people who destroyed things. I wouldn't worry about them coming after us," Watkins texted Bennie Parker on January 9. "I'm sure they're not on us see some pics but no militia," Parker responded.

Columbus residents Dustin Thompson and Robert Lyon were charged last month with illegally entering the Capitol and violent and disorderly conduct on Capitol Grounds, after driving to D.C. together for the pro-Trump rally.

Stephen Ayres of Warren, Justin Stollof Wilmington and former Cleveland Schools employee Christine Priola have also been charged.