Pilot Mountain Woman Pleads Guilty In Jan. 6 Capitol Riot Case

A woman from Pilot Mountain is the first person from the Piedmont Triad to be convicted on charges related to the January 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

38-year-old Virginia Marie Spencer pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge for her role in the riot at the Capitol building. She and her husband were accused of entering the building without permission.

The Winston-Salem Journal reports that Spencer made a virtual appearance Thursday at U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., where she entered a guilty plea on the charge.

Federal prosecutors are requesting that three other misdemeanor charges be dropped as part of a plea agreement, but she still faces up to a six-month prison sentence. Spencer must also pay a $500 restitution fine. She remains free until a sentencing hearing in January.

Her husband Christopher Spencer was the first person from North Carolina to be charged for his role in the insurrection, but his plea hearing is not yet on the docket.

At least six other people from the Triad are also facing federal charges for participating in the riot.