Government files 'surprising' appeal of Oath Keepers sentences

The Justice Department has filed an appeal that one legal expert deemed "very surprising" in sentences imposed on Stewart Rhodes and other so-called "Oath Keepers."

The DOJ on Wednesday filed the notice of appeal in Rhodes' case, indicating the 18-year sentence he received isn't sufficient. It is well below the guidelines, according to Politico senior legal affairs reporter Kyle Cheney.

"DOJ is appealing the sentences imposed by Judge Mehta against the Oath Keepers convicted of seditious conspiracy or obstruction, including the 18-year term for Stewart Rhodes," he wrote on Wednesday. "All of the sentences, even Rhodes’, were well below what the sentencing guidelines called for."

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Former prosecutor Andrew Weissmann picked up the news, calling the appeal "very surprising." He added that "appeals of sentences by the govt are rare" and noted that there's "not a lot of political skin to lose by bringing this appeal."

Rhodes is one of numerous militia leaders, including fellow Oath Keepers, who were recently tried and sentenced in connection with their actions during the insurrection attempting on Jan. 6, 2021.