Haddonfield 'Relationship Coach' Who Stormed Capitol Sentenced To Prison

WASHINGTON, DC — A self-described "relationship coach" from Haddonfield will have a long date with a prison cell for participating in the Jan. 6, 2021, mob that stormed the U.S. Capitol.

Patrick Stedman was sentenced Friday to four years in prison, three years of supervised release, a $20,000 fine and $2,000 in restitution. The Haddonfield resident was part of the mob that breached the Capitol in efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election in outgoing President Donald Trump's favor.

According to court documents, Stedman used his large online following to encourage and organize other men to come to Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6. Stedman told his followers "Now we FIGHT!" In a video recorded later that day, Stedman said he was in the "first wave" that "climbed up the back part of the Capitol building" and "broke down the doors."

While inside the Capitol for more than 40 minutes, Stedman entered the chambers of then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and roamed the halls and offices in the Speaker's Suite. He took selfies on the Speaker's Balcony.

Stedman proceeded to the House Chamber's main door, where he yelled "Let us in!" and "Break it down!" as other rioters banged on the door — the window of which was already broken. When Stedman, now 35, learned that a rioter had been shot, he shouted threats at Capitol police, including "You killed one of us? You're done!"

Once police expelled him from the Capitol building, Stedman recorded a video for his followers, explaining that he had "taken action" to prevent Congress from certifying the presidential election results. He said the "rats" — as he referred to members of Congress — had "scurried into the tunnels" to escape. He posted on social media that "patriots" stole the hard drives from the Capitol and that "The Storm is Here."

The FBI arrested Stedman on Jan. 21, 2021, in Haddonfield. Earlier this year, Stedman rejected a plea deal recommending him for 41-51 months in prison. The Haddonfield resident risked 20 years in prison after rejecting the deal.

On June 9, he was convicted of felony obstruction of an official proceeding and four misdemeanors: entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, and parading; demonstrating or picketing inside a Capitol building.

Stedman gained a substantial online following as a dating and relationship coach — "I see what others cant. Get your dream girl. Save your relationship," his bio says on X, formerly known as Twitter. He has posted about his legal woes on that account since storming the Capitol.

A day before his sentencing, Stedman called for help in paying his legal fees and fines. While some users offered support, many commenters delivered mockery instead.

"Nah just pray about it," said one commenter, referencing his call for prayers one day prior.

"Sounds like socialism," another reply said. "Everyone should be responsible for their own crimes and bills."

"Why you asking for handouts?" another commenter said. "Just bootstrap it yourself like a good lil patriot."

Several New Jersey residents have been criminally sentenced for actions stemming from the riot, while other cases remain ongoing. Overall, more than 1,100 people have been charged with offenses related to the Capitol breach.