Amended charges were filed last Thursday in U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia against Douglas Sweet of Gwynn and Cindy Fitchett of Cobbs Creek. The two Mathews residents allegedly took part in the breach of the U.S. Capitol Building on Jan. 6 that sought to disrupt the certification by Congress of votes in the Nov. 3, 2020 Presidential Election.

In the amended filing, both Sweet and Fitchett were charged with two violations of Title 18 of the United States Code: 1. Entering and remaining in a restricted building [Section 1752(a)(1)], and 2. Disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building [Section 1752(a)(2)], as well as two violations of Title 40 of the United States Code: 1. Violent entry and disorderly conduct in a Capitol building [Section 5104(e)(2)(D)], and 2. Parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building [Section 5104(e)(2)(G)].

Punishment for a violation of the first two offenses consists of a fine or imprisonment of up to one year (...