MADISON, Wis. – A LaCrosse man accused in the January 6 siege at the U.S. Capitol, Abram Markofski, 24, pleaded guilty to one of four federal charges in a plea deal. The government agreed not to charge Markofski with any further non-violent offenses committed in the District of Columbia but could still prosecute him if any violent crime is later discovered. Markoski’s case attracted special attention because, as a member of the Wisconsin National Guard, he was among military people at the siege. Under the plea agreement as it now exists, Markofski faces possibly six months in prison and a $5,000 fine. Sentencing will be December 3 before U.S. District Judge John Bates in Washington. Markofski’s buddy at the siege, Brandon Nelson, of Madison, is scheduled for his own plea-bargaining hearing September 15.
Plea terms
In the plea deal Markofski acknowledged FBI details in a five-page document that describes his involvement in the January 6 mob invasion of the Capitol. The document cites no evidence that Markofski took part in any violence or destruction. It notes too that he cooperated with law enforcement before and after his arrest back in LaCrosse. Damage to the Capitol has been estimated at $1.5 million. Several deaths occurred.