Devlyn Thompson was sentenced to three years and 10 months in prison for traveling from Atlanta to Washington, D.C. on Jan. 6 and attacking police officers.
Devlyn Thompson, 28, was sentenced Monday to three years and 10 months in prison for his involvement in one of the most violent clashes outside the Capitol on Jan. 6, despite his defense arguing Thompson's placement on the autism spectrum should lead to leniency. The judge in the case pointed out his previous employment paid $90,000 per year, ruling autism as irrelevant to sentencing.
Defense attorney Elizabeth Kelley said because of Thompson's disorder he"functions in many ways as a young child," and it influenced what he believed was happening on Jan. 6. To counter Kelley's claims of the extent Thompson's disorder could influence his behavior and interactions with others, U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth said autism isn't an excuse for assaulting a police officer. He also pointed out Thompson's employment before the riot at a rental property management company making $90,000 per year as evidence that he was a productive member of his community.
Justice Department prosecutors recommended a four-year prison sentence for Thompson. Kelley requested a one-year prison sentence for Thompson.