Newburgh Tattoo Parlor Owner Charged In Capitol Riot

NEWBURGH, NY — A Newburgh tattoo artist, who was photographed serving as a bodyguard to former President Donald Trump's political adviser Roger Stone, was arrested Saturday in connection with the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.

Roberto Minuta, 36, who owns a tattoo parlor in Newburgh, was charged with criminal involvement in the riot, Yahoo News reported.

He was also accused of obstructing the counting of presidential election votes, trespassing and trying to cover up his crimes.

Over the objections of federal prosecutors, one of whom said he thought Minuta would again participate in an armed rebellion even if released on bail, Minuta was ordered released on a $125,000 bond, The Washington Post said.

On Jan. 6, prosecutors said he was carrying a firearm and bear or pepper spray and was armed at the time of his arrest at his Newburgh tattoo parlor Saturday.

Federal officials said Minuta is a lifetime member of the Oath Keepers, a far-right militia organization, and was wearing tactical gear on the day of the Capitol Hill riot and attempted takeover of the building, NBC New York reported.

Prosecutors said Minuta canceled his iPhone account March 1 and got rid of the phone sometime between visits to a home in Texas and his tattoo parlor.

In May, Minuta reopened the doors to his business in defiance of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's stay-at-home executive order in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

His shop, called Casa Di Dolore, was not considered an essential business under "New York State on PAUSE" regulations.

In a Facebook video that is no longer accessible to the public, Minuta called on his longtime customers, including many in state and local law enforcement, to support him in his protest.

He urged them to not enforce "these supposed laws. They are not laws."

SEE ALSO:

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• Newburgh Man Accused In Capitol Riot
• Rockland Man Charged In Capitol Insurrection
• Man Accused Of Dragging Cop During Capitol Riot Arrested In HV
• FBI Arrests Man ID'd At Capitol Riot By Varsity Jacket
• 2 NY Proud Boys Plead Not Guilty In DC Riot
• Hudson Valley Man Assaulted Officer During Capitol Riots: Feds
• Man Accused Of Taking Photos On Senate Floor During Jan. 6 Riot