South Jersey Man Admits To Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

WASHINGTON, DC — A South Jersey man caught on surveillance breaching the U.S. Capitol admitted in federal court to participating in the Jan. 6, 2021 riot.

Michael Gianos, of Marlton, pleaded guilty April 28 to entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds. The misdemeanor offense carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine. Gianos must also pay restitution of $500 toward damage to the Capitol, valued at $2.8 million.

His sentencing is set for July 25 in Washington, D.C. Gianos is among several South Jersey residents who admitted to storming the building on Jan. 6. Read more: 3 South Jersey Capitol Rioters Admit To Jan. 6 Breach: Feds

The man was charged in December 2021 after investigators found incriminating tests on the phone of another rioter — Lawrence Stackhouse, of Blackwood. According to Gianos's plea agreement, he messaged other suspects about overturning the 2020 Presidential Election in then-President Donald Trump's favor.

Rachel Myers, of Philadelphia, was also arrested December 2021 as part of the investigation into Stackhouse, who was charged March 2021 with knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds, and disorderly or disruptive conduct.

A review of Stackhouse’s phone revealed several texts he shared with Gianos and Myers, according to court documents. Stackhouse told authorities he and Myers traveled to D.C. and stayed at a hotel together the night of Jan. 5, 2021, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. He also said Myers had entered the Capitol during the riot, authorities said.

Authorities said Gianos and Myers had exchanged messages on Facebook in which they discussed ways to prevent the certification of the election. Authorities also said Gianos told Myers that he and Stackhouse had protested together in favor of Atilis Gym in Bellmawr, which made headlines last year for repeatedly defying Gov. Phil Murphy’s executive orders amid the coronavirus pandemic.

"This is going to be an event to remember," Gianos said in one exchange, according to authorities.

Stackhouse pleaded guilty in February 2022. He was sentenced last June to 14 days in jail, 90 days in home confinement, 36 months of probation and $500 restitution. Myers pleaded guilty Nov. 15 to parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building and received a two-year probationary term and an order to pay restitution of $500.