By Jan Wolfe

WASHINGTON (Reuters). A U.S. Judge ruled that Stewart Rhodes, the founder of Oath Keepers and the far-right Oath Keepers should stay in jail as he waits for trial on seditious conspiracies related to the attack on U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

A higher court is likely to challenge the ruling of Magistrate Judge Kimberly Priest Johnson from Plano, Texas.

Johnson’s announcement came after a hearing in court that lasted two hours. Johnson was asked by prosecutors to hold Rhodes accountable, claiming that he could flee the country and is dangerous.

A public indictment was made public this month, accusing Rhodes and 10 other associates of plotting to storm Capitol by force to prevent Congress from certificating President Joe Biden’s win in 2020.

Rhodes, 56 is the most prominent of 725 defendants currently charged for his part in the assault on the Capitol by Trump supporters. Trump falsely claimed that his defeat in the election was due to fraud, fueling the riot.

Rhodes, along with his accomplices are first charged for seditious conspiracies in connection to their roles in the attack. This rarely-used charge could result in a sentence up to 20 years imprisonment.

Rhodes, who has been held in custody since he was arrested and charged on Jan. 13, has plead not guilty https://www.reuters.com/world/us/founder-far-right-oath-keepers-face-seditious-conspiracy-charges-court-2022-01-14 to the charge.

Prosecutors claim that Rhodes advised his supporters to plan to oppose the transfer of presidency power by using force starting in November 2020.

In a message, two days after the election, he stated that “We’re not getting through this without having a civil war.” “It’s too late to do that. Prepare your mind, body and spirit.

Phillip Linder was a Rhodes lawyer who stated during Monday’s court hearing, that Rhodes maintains his innocence, and doesn’t pose any danger.

Linder declared, “He doesn’t just want a public hearing; he also wants a quick public hearing.”