Former Victorville gym owner sentenced for role in Jan. 6 Capitol riot

The former owner of a Victorville gym was sentenced to two years probation for his role in the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.

U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper also ordered Jacob Lewis to pay a $10 special assessment, $500 restitution to help pay for damages caused during the attack, a $3,000 fine and complete 60 hours of community service.

Lewis, who according to a court document managed The Gym HD in Victorville until 2021, pleaded guilty earlier this year to parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building.

As part of the plea agreement, Lewis’s other charges — some of which carried a greater punishment — were dismissed at the April 14 sentencing: entering and remaining in a restricted building, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building, and violent entry and disorderly conduct in a Capitol building.

The charge Lewis pleaded guilty to could have been punished by up to six months in prison, a term of probation no longer than five years and a fine of no more than $5,000.

Government prosecutors requested that the judge sentence Lewis to 60 days home detention and three years probation in addition to the community service hours and restitution.

In giving reasons for the recommendation, Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan Lehr said Lewis’ decision to travel to Washington D.C. was “not a spontaneous decision” and he entered the Capitol “knowing the building had been breached …”

“Here, Lewis’s participation in a riot that actually succeeded in halting the Congressional certification combined with the defendant’s directing of others and his lack of remorse warrant a sentence more restrictive than probation without home detention,” Lehr wrote.

Lewis is one of more than 750 people who have been charged so far for taking part in the insurrection in 2021 which left five people dead, including a police officer, and sent elected members of Congress and Vice President Mike Pence fleeing for safety.

The local business owner had already spurred controversy in 2020 when he re-opened The Gym HD on May 1 despite health orders requiring gyms to remain closed to help stem the spread of COVID-19.

FBI agents interviewed Lewis nine days after the Jan. 6 riot after receiving tips. Authorities said Lewis admitted to traveling to Washington D.C. to attend President Trump’s rally and entering the Capitol.

After photos of the Capitol were posted on Lewis’ Instagram account, he reportedly told a tipster on a phone call, “None of them are going to make it to the White House. Watch what’s going to happen in the next ten days.”

U.S. Attorney Lehr said the comment referred to then-President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris.

Jan. 6 committee awaits Trump records: a breakdown of the notes, call and visitor logs already released

Lewis was captured on surveillance video entering the Capitol and walking inside for about eight minutes before exiting. He initially claimed he had been “escorted” by police into the building.

As part of the plea agreement, however, Lewis had to acknowledge that he “knew at the time he entered the U.S. Capitol Building that he did not have permission to enter the building and the defendant paraded, demonstrated or picketed.”

Lewis also said he believed some of the rioters were Antifa members in disguise, a claim which has been debunked but put forth by individuals charged for crimes on Jan. 6.

Lewis’ attorneys, Dan Eckhart and David Bigney, argued their client should only receive a probation term of 12 months, a “reasonable fine,” and the $500 restitution payment.

The attorneys noted Lewis had cooperated with law enforcement and “admitted to the authenticity of photographs and videos taken of him inside the Capitol.”

“ … (T)hose with minimal or no criminal records, who walked through open doorways, caused no property damage, did not threaten or harass Capitol Police, and got out of the building quickly, don’t deserve jail time,” the attorneys wrote in their sentencing recommendation.

A document stating how Judge Cooper came to his sentencing decision, also known as a statement of reasons, was not available for public view.

Daily Press reporter Martin Estacio may be reached at 760-955-5358 or MEstacio@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on Twitter @DP_mestacio.

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Victorville former gym owner sentenced for role in Capitol attack