2020: A Year In Review
Criminal Activities
Aiding and abetting a riot
Knowingly providing clothing, equipment, or other assistance to persons who then engage in a riot, violent breach of a federal building, or related federal offenses can constitute aiding and abetting or other criminal liability (18 U.S.C. § 2 plus statutes prohibiting riots, obstruction, and related offenses).
Situation:
"Charlie and Dee's costume business (Garments and Varmints) fills a large out-of-state order for protest/capitol-style costumes and pelts; they meet the buyer, who explicitly says they're 'protesting the election,' and later the group uses the costumes at the Capitol riots. The dialogue makes clear the sellers knew the group's intent to protest and sold them the gear used in that violent event."
Election interference
Deliberate actions to interfere with the administration of elections, including creating bogus ballot boxes, submitting or enabling invalid ballots, or otherwise obstructing vote tabulation, can constitute state and federal election crimes (including obstruction of an official proceeding and election fraud statutes).
Situation:
"Mac and Dennis describe having placed numerous confusing ballot boxes and running a parallel "vote" operation (for things like 'Rocky or McNabb'), later admitting that their labeling/backups created a large mess and that they may have been responsible for vote-count delays in the presidential election."
Fraud
Making false statements or omissions to obtain federally backed relief loans (PPP) or using funds for purposes other than represented to the lender/SBA. Under federal law, knowingly making false statements to obtain loan proceeds (and misuse of those proceeds) can constitute bank fraud and related federal offenses.
Situation:
"The Paddy's Pub owners repeatedly describe taking multiple PPP loans and using the money to fund side businesses (Punch Incorporated, Frank's Imports and Exports, Garments and Varmints, etc.) rather than for the legitimate payroll/operations purposes represented when applying for relief. Gary explicitly accuses them of gaming the system and taking taxpayer dollars for fictitious businesses."
Reckless Endangerment
Conduct that creates a substantial risk of serious physical injury to another person; when victims are minors this commonly qualifies as child endangerment or child neglect under U.S. law.
Situation:
"At a Paddy's Pub business meeting/introduction with the potential investor, the gang lights off a firework inside the bar as 'fanfare,' causing a small on-scene scare and presenting a clear public-safety/fire risk in an enclosed commercial space."
Voter intimidation
Intimidating, threatening, or coercing voters at or near polling places (prohibited under federal law such as 18 U.S.C. § 594 and related statutes). Acting to deter or interfere with a person's right to vote is a crime.
Situation:
"Mac and Dennis approach someone at a polling place, aggressively question her about residency/ID and subject her to absurd 'Philly trivia' to try to prevent or intimidate her from voting. They also brag about bringing security and trying to control who votes."