Merrick B. Garland, Attorney General | https://www.justice.gov/
Merrick B. Garland, Attorney General | https://www.justice.gov/
Two men from Ohio and Colorado have been arrested in connection with the January 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. Joseph Charles Valentour, 66, from Centerville, Ohio, and Jonathan Wayne “Duke” Valentour, 26, from Boulder, Colorado, face charges including assaulting law enforcement officers and obstructing law enforcement during a civil disorder.
The criminal complaint filed in the District of Columbia includes felony charges against both men for their alleged actions during the Capitol riot. Additionally, they face five misdemeanor charges related to entering restricted areas and engaging in disorderly conduct.
Joseph Valentour was apprehended by the FBI on January 3, 2025, in Ohio. He made his initial court appearance in the Southern District of Ohio. His son Duke was arrested on January 6, 2025, in Colorado and appeared before a court in the District of Colorado.
Court documents indicate that police body-worn camera footage captured Joseph Valentour approaching a police line at the Lower West Terrace of the Capitol on January 6. It is alleged that he intentionally backed into the line and attempted to disarm an officer by taking their shield. Further footage reportedly shows him impeding another officer's movement.
Meanwhile, Duke Valentour is alleged to have charged through rioters towards a police line and resisted officers by pushing other rioters into them. He was reportedly repelled down a flight of stairs but returned shortly after with another rioter who appeared to be carrying a police shield.
The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia along with assistance from various other offices and agencies. The FBI’s Cincinnati, Denver, and Washington Field Offices are conducting the investigation.
Since January 6, over 1,583 individuals across nearly all states have faced charges related to crimes committed during the Capitol breach. This includes more than 600 people charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement officers.
Anyone with information about this incident can contact authorities via phone or online tips.
A complaint remains an allegation until proven otherwise in court.
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