WASHINGTON D.C., DC — A former Olympic swimmer who was indicted on seven counts related to the failed insurrection at the US Capitol on Jan. 6 pleaded guilty to obstruction of an official proceeding on Wednesday.
Klete Keller now faces up to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to the felony charge.
The judge said the sentencing range would be 21 to 27 months, but the court must first conduct its own independent evaluation.
Keller's attorney also said there is a "cooperation agreement" in place, meaning the former Olympian will provide support to government investigators until his sentencing. The Department of Justice and Keller's attorney will be able to ask for variances to increase or decrease that sentencing guideline based on his cooperation with investigators.
The attorney also said Keller is “trying to make amends for terrible decision he made on January 6” and “wants to make amends to the court and the country.”
There is no parole in federal penial system, meaning Keller will have to serve his full sentence when it is handed down. A date for sentencing has not been set.
Charges against Keller in the prior indictment included:
- Civil disorder
- Obstruction of an official proceeding, and aiding and abetting
- Entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds
- Disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds
- Impeding passage through the Capitol Grounds or buildings
- Parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building
An FBI issued warrant says agents searched through videos credited to Townhall Media, a political news organization, and SwimSwam, a news organization that covers competitive swimming and other related sports, that depicted various events that occurred at the Capitol and identified Keller multiple times.
While inside the Capitol, Keller could be seen wearing a USA Olympic jacket with an official Olympics patch, according to court documents.
In August, federal prosecutors said Keller was willing to accept a plea deal that was being offered.
Keller won two Olympic gold medals as a relay teammate of Michael Phelps. He has been a licensed real estate broker in Colorado. Records indicate his license is “inactive.”
Nine Colorado men, including Keller, have been criminally implicated in the riot at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.
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