Northeast Ohio woman pleads guilty to charge in Capitol breach

An Ohio woman pleaded guilty July 26 to a felony charge for her actions during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Christine Priola, 50, of Willoughby pleaded guilty in the District of Columbia to obstruction of an official proceeding, according to a news release. According to court documents, on Jan. 6, 2021, Priola made her way to the U.S. Capitol grounds, carrying a large sign expressing her views. Once on the grounds, she illegally entered the restricted area on the east side of the Capitol Building, the release detailed.

Priola joined the front lines of the riot, climbed the steps, and entered the Capitol Building through the East Rotunda Doors, the release continued. She went inside soon after the first rioters overcame law enforcement officers guarding the entrance. She moved to the Senate chamber and entered the restricted floor area. While in the chamber, she carried the sign. She was in the Senate chamber for about 10 minutes. All told, she was inside the Capitol Building for approximately 30 minutes.

Sometime between Jan. 6 and Jan. 12, 2021, Priola deleted from her cellphone data for photos, videos, chats, and messages from approximately Jan. 4 through Jan. 7, 2021, the release said. At the time of the riots, she was employed with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. She resigned in a letter dated Jan. 7, 2021.

Priola was arrested in Ohio on Jan. 14, 2021. She is to be sentenced on Oct. 28. She faces a statutory maximum of 20 years in prison and potential financial penalties, according to the release.

SUBMITTED Federal authorities allege the woman on the right is Ohio resident Christine Priola. She is facing federal charges in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021storming of the U.S. Capitol.