Former North Dakota Young Republican agrees to plea deal on January 6 charges

(Jeff Beach – North Dakota Monitor) – A former North Dakota man has agreed to plead guilty to charges related to the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol.

Damian Johnston, a former vice chair of the North Dakota Young Republicans, agreed to plead guilty to two misdemeanor counts, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a Capitol building or grounds and parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building, according to documents filed in federal court in the District of Columbia.

Each count has a maximum sentence of six months in prison and probation of not more than five years and a fine of not more than $5,000.

Prosecutors agreed to drop two other charges. Johnston signed the plea agreement Oct. 7 after being charged in September.

The plea agreement says that nearly $3 million in damage was done to the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. For his role, Johnston agreed to pay $500 in restitution.

Johnston agreed to be interviewed about Jan. 6 and to allow investigators to review any of his social media accounts for statements and postings around the time of Jan. 6, 2021.

Investigators used social media to confirm that Johnston was at the Capitol on the day that Congress was to vote to confirm the results of the 2020 presidential election in which Democrat Joe Biden defeated Republican Donald Trump.

A crowd marched on the Capitol and Johnston was among those who went inside the building.

He resigned his position with the Young Republicans in February, according to a statement he posted on his Facebook account.

Johnston now lives in Wisconsin, according to court documents.

His father, Daniel Johnston of Kathryn, is a former Republican state House member running for election in District 24.

Daniel Johnston said his son “got swept up in a crowd” but followed the directions of police.

Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 20.