Lindenwold man accused of taking part in Capitol riot
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – A Lindenwold man is accused of taking part in the Capitol riot and live-streaming his activities on a social-media account.
Michael Oliveras, 48, allegedly narrated videos while inside the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, at one point calling for “traitors” to be dragged out by their hair, a court record says.
Tipsters contacted investigators after the videos were posted to a personal account at the Parler social media platform, according to a statement of facts filed in federal court in the District of Columbia.
One video “showed items believed to belong to the press being thrown into a pile,” the statement says. It contends a person believed to be Olivares is heard saying, “That’s what happens when the f---ing fake news shows up at a patriot rally.”
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In another video, Oliveras allegedly narrates as rioters force their way into the Capitol; “Here we go. Here’s the next rush. There’s a push inside, with resistance.”
Olivares did not respond to a request for comment Thursday.
At least 12 South Jersey residents have now been accused of joining in a riot by supporters of then-President Donald Trump. The Capitol siege occurred as members of Congress were formalizing the election of President Joseph R. Biden.
The first tip about Oliveras’ alleged actions came from a Parler user two days after the riot, the statement says.
The tipster reported seeing videos from the riot at a Parler account, and said the person who posted them “has been talking about overthrowing the government for weeks in public chat rooms pushing disinformation and talking about hanging and executing people repetitively …,” according to the statement.
Screenshots provided by the tipster included Olivares’ name and telephone number, the statement says.
Another Parler user contacted investigators two days later, reporting the account had “posted multiple videos of inside the Capitol building and them harassing members of the press."
A review of the account also found a Jan. 6 post that said, “I m inside the capital.”
Search warrants showed the Parler account was created in October 2020 using a telephone number confirmed to belong to Olivares, the statement says.
It claims surveillance images show Olivares, wearing a Trump sweatshirt and carrying an American flag, inside the Capitol. Information provided by a cellphone service also indicates Olivares was at the riot scene, the statement alleges.
Olivares was arrested Dec. 22 on charges that include disorderly conduct in a Capitol building and parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building.
The charges are only allegations. Oliveras has not been convicted in the case.
Jim Walsh covers public safety, economic development and other beats for the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal.
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This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Feds: Michael Olivares of Lindenwold live-streamed during Capitol riot
