The woman who has been accused of stealing Nancy Pelosi's laptop during the Capitol riots has been granted permission to leave house arrest after making a bizarre request.
Riley Williams, 25, has been confined to her home for more than a year after being arrested on 18 January, 2021 for her alleged involvement in the insurrection at the US Capitol building on 6 January, 2021.
Williams is said to have taken to social media after the riots to claim she 'took Nancy Polesis [sic] hard drives', adding: "I don't care," in one of the posts. On 6 October, she was indicted on the charges relating to the theft of the laptop.
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She is currently awaiting a trial date, but her lawyer, Lori Ulrich, said she asks for permission for Williams to leave house arrest every now and again when there is an activity going on that interests her.
The most recent request came ahead of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, which is set to kick off in Lancaster County this weekend (20 August) and offers guests the chance to enjoy performances, food and music with a number of old-timey characters.
According to the fair's website, events include a 'Tournament of Arms', 'Ultimate Joust' and 'Boarshead Brawl'.
With Ulrich pointing out Williams has been in 'in-home detention for the last year and a half', prosecutors granted her permission to leave house arrest for eight hours to visit the fair.
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The lawyer said prosectors aren't on board with ending Williams' house arrest altogether, but they generally agree to let her have the occasional day out. She has been granted permission to take similar trips before while she awaits her trial.
Earlier this week, Judge Amy Jackson denied motions to lift the house arrest on the basis that the 25-year-old had failed to fully comply with the current terms of her release and is considered a flight risk.
An FBI investigation into the Capitol riots revealed video footage and photos of a woman who appears to be Williams encouraging people to enter the Capitol building and directing rioters once inside.
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She also allegedly posted multiple times about the events online, writing "Like theure [sic] gonna arrest me,” and “They’ll never take me alive," along with the post referring to the laptop.
Altogether, Williams is accused of obstruction of an official proceeding; assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers; theft of government property; entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricting building or grounds; disorderly conduct in a capitol building; and parading, demonstrating or picketing in a capitol building.
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Emily Brown