WASHINGTON - Of the eight people from the Valley charged in connection with the January 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol, only one case remains to be decided.

A judge is still considering the evidence presented during last month’s trial of Rachel Powell, a 43-year-old Mercer County mother of eight, charged for allegedly carrying an ice axe and a "large" wooden pole into the Capitol while Vice President Pence was in the building to help certify the results of the Presidential Election. 

Dubbed the “pink hat lady” and “bullhorn lady” for a video showing her wearing a pink knit cap and carrying a bullhorn during the incursion, faces nine charges that include civil disorder, obstruction, destruction of US property, entering a restricted building or property with a dangerous weapon, and disorderly conduct.

The latest developments in the case came on Friday when two people from New Castle, Philip Vogel, II, and Debra Maimone pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the theft of property.

 

 

Prosecutors say security video showed the two near a group of people who were pushing through law enforcement and forcing a door open, with Vogel kicking an office door. In addition, investigators say the two stole police protective gear.

Sentencing is scheduled to take place on August 25.

On Thursday, a jury convicted Kenneth Thomas of East Liverpool on charges of civil disorder, four counts of assaulting, resisting or impeding an officer, entering, or remaining in a restricted building and grounds, and disorderly or disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds.

 Thomas will be sentenced in September.

In January, Brian and Julia Sizer of Ellwood City were both placed on probation for a year for entering the Capitol during the disturbance.

Julia Sizer (L) Brian Sizer (R)

 

Stephen Ayers of Champion, Ohio, who made national headlines when he testified before the January Sixth Committee about his participation in the incursion, was sentenced to two years probation after pleading guilty to entering the temporary residence of the president and disorderly conduct in the Capitol.

Stephen Ayres of Trumbull County testified Tuesday, July 12 before the Jan. 6 House select committee

 Ayers’ co-defendant in the case, Matthew Perna of Sharon, died by suicide prior to his sentencing after pleading guilty to felony obstruction of Congress.