Florida Woman Pleads Guilty to Felony Charge For Actions During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

            WASHINGTON – A Florida woman pleaded guilty on Monday, June 26, 2023, to a felony charge related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Her actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the presidential election.

            Corinne Montoni, 33, of Lakeland, Florida, pleaded guilty in the District of Columbia to one count of Civil Disorder, a felony offense. U.S. District Court Judge Royce C. Lamberth scheduled a sentencing hearing for September 28, 2023.

            According to court documents, on Jan. 6, 2021, Montoni unlawfully entered the Capitol through a broken door next to the Senate wing door on the west side of the building. After entering, she proceeded through the building, making her way to the Capitol crypt. While inside, Montoni took several videos with her cell phone, including one video posted to her Instagram account in which she states, “We’re in the Capitol cuz this is our house – we paid for this, and they’re trying to steal it from us. Let’s go!”

            While inside a hall of the Capitol building, Montoni was in the midst of a crowd surrounded by other rioters. Montoni and others then began to push against officers attempting to stop them from proceeding. In another video recording, Montoni can be seen yelling, “Push back! Push back!” in support of the crowd of rioters.

            Court documents say that Montoni remained in the Capitol building for approximately 10 minutes before exiting. Montoni then re-entered the building at least one time, despite being aware that police were attempting to remove people from the building.

            According to court documents, Montoni posted on social media throughout the day on January 6^th about her experiences at the Capitol.  On her Parler account, she stated in part, “WE BREACHED THE CAPITOL OMG“; “Insurrection is coming. Hold the line. Stay vigilant.”; “Storming the Capitol to take back our country from traitors! This is OUR HOUSEEEE!”; and “Here’s a pretty little view form inside the Capitol at our traitor DC police, with a smashed window.” On her Facebook account, she stated in part, “We are DONE with these traitors. Today, we showed them how done we are. The Capitol building belongs to Us, we the people. This is our house. . . We broke a few windows, sure but we are a peaceful protect occupying the people’s property.”

            The charge of Civil Disorder carries a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison. A federal court judge will determine the appropriate sentence after considering all factors and the U.S. Sentencing guidelines. All charges carry potential financial penalties.

            The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.

            The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Tampa and Washington Field Offices, as well as the Metropolitan Police Department, with significant assistance provided by the U.S. Capitol Police.

            In the 29 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,000 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including nearly 350 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing.

            Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.