Jan. 6 rioter who flipped officer over ledge sentenced to more than six years in prison

The rioter who knocked a law enforcement officer over a rack during the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol was sentenced Tuesday to more than six years in prison, according to multiple reports.

Ralph Celentano, 56, of New York, was sentenced Tuesday to 78 months in federal prison. District Judge Timothy Kelly said Celentano’s actions on January 6 were “disgraceful” and that the assault on the officer was “a truly despicable and despicable act.” NBC News reported.

Celentano was arrested in 2022 in connection with his role in the Capitol riot and was convicted last year of multiple misdemeanors and felonies, including assaulting a law enforcement officer. According to prosecutors, Celentano followed his path During the Capitol riot, he appeared before the mob gathered on the Lower West Terrace, where he had several altercations with law enforcement officers.

According to court documents, Celentano and other rioters were able to breach police lines. He then spotted a Capitol Police officer with his back turned near a raised dais and struck him with a “football-style tackle,” according to the documents. The officer then flipped the shelf over, causing it to fall on top of the officer below, documents said.

The government had asked for Celentano to be sentenced to 135 months in prison, three years of supervised release, $2,000 in restitution and a $300 special assessment. Sentencing memorandum last year.

“Celentano’s actions on January 6, 2021 demonstrate a violent nature and contempt for law enforcement, favoring long-term incarceration,” the sentencing memo states.