Sanford man accused of assaulting law enforcement during January 6 Capitol breach
SANFORD (WGME) -- A Maine man has been arrested and charged with assaulting law enforcement during the January 6, 2021 breach of the U.S. Capitol.
The Department of Justice says 38-year-oldChristopher Belliveau of Sanford is charged with five felonies.
- Civil disorder
- Assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers using a dangerous weapon
- Entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority with a deadly or dangerous weapon
- Disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds with a deadly or dangerous weapon
- Engaging in physical violence in restricted building or on restricted grounds with a deadly or dangerous weapon
In addition to these charges, Belliveau is charged with three misdemeanors.
- Disorderly conduct in a Capitol building
- Act of physical violence in the Capitol grounds or buildings
- Parading, demonstrating or picketing in the Capitol buildings
Belliveau was arrested Tuesday by the FBI in Berwick.
A North Berwick police officer says she ran the plates of a vehicle on Wells Street and discovered the vehicle belonged to a man wanted by the FBI.
When more police arrived, the man got in his vehicle and drove down the road, but he didn’t make it very far before being stopped and arrested.
According to court documents,Belliveau sprayed a police officer with bear pepper mace outside the Capitol building during the riot.
Later, police say Belliveau entered the Capitol building and went to an area known as the Crypt before leaving 15 minutes later.
According to the court documents, Belliveau can be heard in a video saying, “I’m here to make sure the Chinese Communist Party does not take over this country through Joe Biden.”
Belliveau had his first court appearance Wednesday. He is now being held in jail without bail.
“There were thousands of Americans peacefully protesting on January 6 and my client is presumed innocent as are all people charged with a criminal act,” attorney David Bobrow said.
Belliveau is at least the 13th person either from Maine or with ties to the state who has been arrested on charges relating to the January 6 Capitol riot in 2021.
