New Jersey man Gregory Yetman, who prompted FBI manhunt, appears in court in connection with U.S. Capitol assault
TRENTON, N.J. -- A New Jersey man who set off a two-day FBI manhunt as agents tried to arrest him for his alleged involvement in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol was in court Monday.
Gregory Yetman's mother and brother were at federal court in Trenton to show their support for the 47-year-old, who is charged with an array of offenses in connection with the attack on the Capitol, including assault on a federal officer, which carries a maximum prison sentence of eight years.
FBI officials say pictures show Yetman at the Capitol on that day as hundreds stormed the complex.
Yetman's family members did not want to talk to CBS New York as they left the courthouse Monday. Nor did his public defender, whose request to get Yetman out on bail was denied by the judge.
Inside court, where cameras weren't allowed, new details emerged. An assistant U.S. attorney said, while on the lamb, Yetman "spent part of his time hiding in water for 14 hours," and that he used survivalist skills to elude authorities.
She also said FBI agents discovered an arsenal of weapons, firearms and ammunition at Yetman's home, in his car, and in a storage facility, all of them assumed to be legally purchased, according to the judge.
The former New Jersey National Guard member surrendered to Monroe Township police on Friday, two days after fleeing his home as authorities tried to serve him with an arrest warrant.
Defense attorney Benjamin West said in court Yetman "did nothing to harm the community," and that it "was a temporary lapse in judgment."
In closing, the judge said that Yetman's conduct was reckless for two days and that she couldn't see any condition where he could be out on bail and not pose a risk to his community. Yetman is expected to be transferred to Washington D.C.
Yetman has also been charged with civil disorder, engaging in physical violence on restricted grounds and at the Capitol.
