Six California Men, Four of Whom Self-Identify as Members of “Three-Percenter” Militias, Indicted on Conspiracy Charges Related to Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

WASHINGTON — Six California men, four of whom identify as members of Three Percenter militias, were arrested June 10, for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, which disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress in the process of ascertaining and counting the electoral votes related to the presidential election.

Allan Hostetter, 56, of San Clemente; Russell Taylor, 40, of Ladera Ranch; Erik Scott Warner, 45, of Menifee; Felipe Antonio “Tony” Martinez, 47, of Lake Elsinore; Derek Kinnison, 39, of Lake Elsinore; and Ronald Mele, 51, of Temecula are charged with federal offenses that include conspiracy, obstructing an official proceeding, and unlawful entry on restricted building or grounds. Taylor is also charged with obstructing law enforcement during a civil disorder and unlawful possession of a dangerous weapon on Capitol grounds. Warner and Kinnison are also charged with tampering with documents or proceedings.

As alleged in the indictment, through the late fall and early winter of 2020, the defendants communicated with each other to plan and coordinate their effort to obstruct and interfere with the joint session of Congress at the Capitol on Jan. 6, to certify the electoral college vote. The defendants communicated through various messaging applications and social media, including the encrypted messaging application Telegram, to share information regarding the election; coordinate travel to Washington, D.C.; and promote events sponsored by the American Phoenix Project, which Hostetter founded to oppose government-mandated restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, as well as the Metropolitan Police Department and U.S. Capitol Police, with significant assistance provided by the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office.

In the 150 days since Jan. 6, approximately 465 individuals have been arrested on charges related to the Jan. 6 Capitol breach, including over 130 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing.

A full copy of the indictment can be viewed here.

Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.