Covington man pleads guilty in investigation into Jan. 6 intrusion into U.S. Capitol

COVINGTON, Louisiana (WGNO) – A Covington man has pleaded guilty to one felony and one misdemeanor charge for his actions during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.

On Monday, June 3, the U.S. Attorney’s Office reported that 51-year-old Willard Purkell pleaded guilty to the felony of public disorderly conduct and the misdemeanor of entering and remaining in any restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in any restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in any Capitol building, and participating in a parade, demonstration, or protest in any Capitol building.

According to court documents, Purkell reportedly trespassed into a restricted area around the Capitol and joined a group of rioters who were allegedly resisting police attempting to close the building’s doors.

The documents say Purkell and others gained entry and “joined a crowd that clashed with police officers attempting to prevent the rioters from entering the Rotunda.”

Purkell was arrested in connection with the violation on November 30, 2023.

Purkell’s sentencing is scheduled for September 12, 2024.

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