James Mels, 56-Year-Old From Shelby Township, Arrested For Involvement in Riots At Capitol

DETROIT (CBS Detroit/ AP) - James Mels, 56 from Shelby Township, is the third Michigan man arrested for their involvement in the riot at the U.S. Capitol on January 6.

Mels is charged with entering a restricted building without permission and violent entry on Capitol grounds.

He appeared Thursday in Detroit federal court and was released on bond. Future court hearings will be in Washington.

An email seeking comment was sent to a lawyer who appeared in court with Mels.

After getting a tip, the FBI said it recently interviewed Mels, who admitted being at the Capitol and showed photos on his phone.

Mels said "he did not engage in any violence and was not aware of anyone organizing violence," the FBI said in a court filing.

He said he traveled to Washington with "other like-minded patriots" because Mels believed the election was "fraudulently decided."

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