Judge questions release of Jan. 6 defendant — because he plans to join Russian Army

A judge in the case of a Jan. 6 defendant is questioning releasing the man — because he has stated he plans to run off to join the Russian Army.

Judge Dabney L. Friedrich is set to sentence Kevin Daniel Loftus on Dec. 13.

However, Friedrich appears to have questions about Loftus' efforts to join the war against Ukraine.

Politico's Kyle Cheney posted a screen capture of a docket update in which the judge says he'll consider "any relevant conduct that the parties intend to ask the Court to consider at sentencing, including the defendant's alleged plans to join the Russian Army."

Also Read: Jamie Raskin ready to battle Trump 'assault' 2.0 in new role

"If the defendant intends to ask the Court to sentence him to time served or probation, it shall address special conditions of release that will ensure that the defendant complies with the law and his release conditions," the filing continues.

"On or before December 10, 2024, the government shall provide discovery related to the defendant's alleged plans to join the Russian Army, including but not limited to the audiotape of the defendant's statement(s) to law enforcement; any written or oral waiver of his Miranda rights; any written or oral consent to search his cell phone and a list of items seized."

The Wall Street Journal reported last week that Loftus was denied being able to board a plane to Turkey while he was still serving probation under misdemeanor charges around the Jan. 6 attack.

"Loftus said he had communicated with a contact living in Russia named Grisha, who was going to connect him with Russian forces," the Journal said. "On five or six occasions, Loftus made transfers of about $1,200 apiece to Grisha to help him raise money for equipment for Russian soldiers," it quoted a source as saying.

He is just one of over 1,500 defendants accused after Jan. 6 of violent attacks on the U.S. Capitol.