Source: United States Department of Justice News
WASHINGTON – A Florida woman was sentenced today on a felony charge for her actions during 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 2020 presidential election.
Corinne Montoni, 33, of Lakeland, Florida, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Royce C. Lamberth to 30 days in prison, 24 months of supervised release, and ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution. Montoni pleaded guilty to a felony charge of civil disorder on June 26, 2023, in the District of Columbia.
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, Montoni was in the midst of a crowd surrounded by other rioters. Montoni and others 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 Montoni remained in the Capitol for approximately 10 minutes before exiting. She 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 about January 6th and 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.”
Montoni was arrested on March 9, 2021, in Lakeland, Florida.
This case was 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.
This case was 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 32 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,100 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 398 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.