South Jersey Woman Avoids Lengthy Prison Term For Role In Capitol Riot

WASHINGTON, DC — A South Jersey woman who directed rioters storming into the U.S. Capitol will avoid a lengthy prison term for her role in the Jan. 6, 2021, breach.

On Thursday, a federal judge sentenced Stephanie Hazelton, of Medford, to 10 days in prison, 90 days of home detention and two years of supervised release. Federal prosecutors had recommended 11 months' imprisonment for the 51-year-old.

Hazelton's attorney said that she left property intact, had no physical contact with officers and never entered the Capitol Building. However, she led a group of rioters — armed with strobe lights to blind officers and batons and poles to assault police — as they confronted members of law enforcement, federal prosecutors said in court documents.

The Medford resident pleaded guilty Oct. 14 to civil disorder and aiding abetting, which carried maximum penalties of five years' imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 — or twice the value of the property damage.

Hazelton — also known as Alya Wolf/Wolfe — directed rioters into the Capitol Building, waving them up and encouraging more to move into the Lower West Terrace entrance tunnel, court documents state. She stood in front of the mob as they pulled riot shields away from police and assaulted the officers, the U.S. Department of Justice said.

Minutes later, Hazelton retreated. Outside the tunnel, she waved the rioters toward the entrance and repeated "We need more men! We need more men! Keep going! Keep pushing, men! We need men, not women!" Then she yelled "We need more helmets! More helmets!"

U.S. District Judge John Bates also ordered Hazelton to pay restitution of $2,000 and a special assessment of $100. The prosecution requested a $10,000 fine.

Several New Jersey residents have been criminally sentenced for actions stemming from the riot, while other cases remain ongoing. Federal authorities expect trials to continue this year and perhaps into 2024.