Olympic gold medalist Klete Keller sentenced to probation in connection with Jan. 6 riot - The Athletic

Klete Keller, an American two-time Olympic gold medal-winning swimmer, was sentenced to 36 months of probation and six months of home detention Friday for his participation in the Jan. 6, 2021, storming of the U.S. Capitol. He was also ordered to complete 360 hours of community service.

Keller, who wore a “Team USA” jacket that day, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to one felony count of obstructing an official proceeding for his participation in the riots.

Federal prosecutors had sought 10 months in prison for Keller, less than half of the federally recommended guidelines for the charge. The sentencing memo acknowledged his cooperation with the investigation into the attack but said that as “a former Olympian with an opportunity to see up close America’s ideals and represent its position in the world, Keller was in a unique position to know better.”

Keller was indicted on seven criminal counts in February 2021, but the remaining counts were dropped in exchange for his promise to cooperate in any continuing investigation.

Prosecutors wrote that Keller “remained inside for almost an hour and stopped just short of the Senate Chamber” and resisted riot officers’ attempts to remove him, only exiting the building when “chemical irritants and force” were deployed.

“I have no excuse for why I am in front of you today,” Keller said during his hearing Friday, per The Associated Press. “I understand my actions were criminal and that I am fully responsible for my conduct.”

The 41-year-old Keller has repeatedly met with the government “to describe everyone around him and everything that happened leading up to and on January 6,” prosecutors said, adding that he “has provided substantial assistance.”

In a January letter to the sentencing judge, U.S. District Judge Richard Leon, Keller apologized for his actions and wrote that he is “ashamed and profoundly embarrassed.” He continued: “As a former member of the United States Olympic Swimming Team, my behavior set a terrible example for young people who looked up to me.”

More than 1,200 defendants had been charged in connection with the attack on the Capitol as of Nov. 6, according to the Department of Justice.

Keller, who graduated from USC in 2009, swam for the U.S. Olympic team in 2000, 2004 and 2008, claiming five medals, two of which were golds in relay races.

(Photo: Vladimir Rys / Bongarts / Getty Images)

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