Story perspectives

Judge Praises Prosecutors During January 6 Rioter's Sentencing

11/1/2025

26 6

Summary

Story summary

U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols praised prosecutors Carlos Valdivia and Samuel White during Taylor Taranto's sentencing for the January 6 riot.
Nichols commended professionalism after they described the Capitol attack as a 'mob of rioters' in sentencing memo.
Valdivia and White were placed on administrative leave after Nichols's praise.
Taranto received a 21-month sentence, with time served; the original memo was sealed, and a revised version omitted January 6 references.

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Story summary

U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols praised prosecutors Carlos Valdivia and Samuel White during Taylor Taranto's sentencing for the January 6 riot.
Nichols commended professionalism after they described the Capitol attack as a 'mob of rioters' in sentencing memo.
Valdivia and White were placed on administrative leave after Nichols's praise.
Taranto received a 21-month sentence, with time served; the original memo was sealed, and a revised version omitted January 6 references.