East Naples man involved in Jan. 6 insurrection freed, living with GPS monitoring in SWFL

Michael Braun, Naples Daily News
·3 min read
A photo included in a motion from the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia allegedly shows Christopher Worrell spraying pepper spray gel toward law enforcement officers outside the U.S. Capitol building on Jan. 6, 2020.
A photo included in a motion from the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia allegedly shows Christopher Worrell spraying pepper spray gel toward law enforcement officers outside the U.S. Capitol building on Jan. 6, 2020.

Christopher John Worrell, the East Naples man accused of participating in the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection and in federal custody since March, is back in Southwest Florida.

Worrell's attorney, Alex Reed Stavrou, Sr., of Tampa, said his client was transferred last week from federal custody in Washington D.C. because of issues involving his medical care. He was released and has returned to Naples.

Orders outlining the conditions of Worrell's release stipulated that he must not violate federal, state or local laws while on release, cooperate to provide a DNA sample if authorized and advise the court, pretrial services office or supervising officer in writing if he changes his residence or phone number.

Worrell, 50, was ordered to be released from the Washington, D.C. jail after the mistreatment of detainees was claimed after an unannounced inspection by U.S. Marshals on Oct. 18 — and transported Nov. 3 to an Alexandria, Virginia, detention facility for processing.

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"As the jail was ordered to do so immediately," said Stavrou. "He will be seeking chemotherapy immediately upon his release." Worrell had been undergoing treatment for non-Hodgkins lymphoma when he was taken into custody in March.

Christopher Worrell of East Naples, in yellow shirt, is shown with what appears to be other members of the Proud Boys. Photos show Worrell wearing what appears to be a Proud Boys patch on his tactical vest. The photos were included in an FBI statement of facts complaint a federal magistrate signed March 10, 2021. Worrell was arrested March 12, 2021, in connection with the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.

There were additional conditions for Worrell's release as well including being placed in custody of Trish Priller, his girlfriend, a Naples resident and a former employee of The Naples Daily News. He must submit to GPS monitoring and is on home detention except for activities including work, school, religious services, medical, and attorney visits.

Worrell must also surrender his passport to the U.S. Pretrial/Probation Office, avoid contact with any witnesses or victims connected to the investigation or prosecution, and not possess firearms, destructive devices or other weapons.

Priller also organized a a Christian-based crowdfunding website GiveSendGo for Worrell and has collected more than $100,000 earmarked for his legal, medical and living expenses.

Christopher Worrell of East Naples at the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, a photo included in an FBI statement of facts a federal magistrate signed March 10, 2021.
Christopher Worrell of East Naples at the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, a photo included in an FBI statement of facts a federal magistrate signed March 10, 2021.

A explanation on the website written by Priller said: "After participating in the January 6 protests in Washington DC, Christopher Worrell has been imprisoned and denied bail, after using non-lethal means to defend himself and others from violent anti-protesters. He has been subject to horrific conditions, including the denial of basic human rights."

"He has Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma which is a form of cancer. His cancer has now spread since being incarcerated. The United States Government and DC Jail systems have denied access to his life-saving cancer treatment, or any medications since his detention on March 12."

"Since his arrest and internment, Chris has contracted COVID-19 putting his life in further danger. He has been denied access to any treatment or compassionate release."

"It is obvious to all Patriotic Americans that Chris is being held as a political prisoner. He has been denied his Constitutional rights as an American, and his God-given rights as a human-being."

"Please contribute to Chris' legal defense, medical bills and cost of living expenses.

Chris, his family and all his friends THANK YOU for your SUPPORT."

As of Sunday the site, organized in August, had collected more than $110,000 with a goal of $300,000. A number of donors, the majority listed as anonymous, donated from $500 to $1,000.

Connect with breaking news reporter Michael Braun: MichaelBraunNP (Facebook), @MichaelBraunNP (Twitter) or mbraun@news-press.com.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Christopher Worrell in custody of girlfriend and now living in Naples