Washington, DC (LOOTPRESS) It may not be the slam dunk most observers predicted.
Government lawyers agreed at a short hearing Friday that more time is needed to continue plea negotiations for former West Virginia legislator Derrick Evans.
U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth of the District of Columbia agreed to put off further courtroom discussion of the case against Evans until 1 p.m., November 10.
Evans, a Wayne County Republican, is accused.of involvement in the January 6 rally that led to damage to the capitol.
Evans, who had just been sworn in as a state delegate after winning the November 2020 election, posed as an “independent journalist” before and during the rally and even videotaped himself entering areas of the capitol building which were off-limits.
Known as a conservative activist and Trump supporter, he posted his video to social media before taking it down.
“There is an ongoing and productive series of discussions aiming toward a resolution in this case,” said Kathryn Field, the trial attorney representing the U.S. government.
Before the rally, Evans was viewed as a potential rising star in state politics. In November, he won a traditional Wayne County seat that had been held by Democrats for decades.
The uproar over his capitol performance caused even Republican leaders to demand.he resign, which he quickly did. He has been silent since with many local political leaders predicting he would receive a stiff penalty. Cooperating with prosecutors has, perhaps, lessened those.
A federal grand jury indicted him on a felony obstruction of an official proceeding. He also faces four misdemeanors: entering and remaining in a restricted building, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building, violent entry and disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, and parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building. He faces 20 years in jail on the felony charge.
Evans pleaded not guilty to the felony during Friday’s hearing.
Evans actually resigned his House seat before the 2020.annual session began. After a controversial appointment process arbitrated by the Supreme Court, Josh Booth was appointed by Governor Jim Justice to replace Evans.