SANFORD, Fla. – A Sanford firefighter arrested for his involvement in the U.S. Capitol riot entered a guilty plea Tuesday as part of a plea agreement with federal prosecutors.
Andrew James Williams was arrested days after the Jan. 6 attempt to prevent Congress from certifying the results of the presidential election.
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Williams was charged with entering a restricted building and disorderly and disruptive conduct inside a restricted building.
Williams pleaded guilty to one count of parading, demonstrating or picketing inside a Capitol building, a misdemeanor that carries a maximum sentence of six months in prison and a fine.
During the hearing, Williams admitted to entering the Capitol building and going to the office of U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi, speaker of the House of Representatives.
Williams has been with the Sanford Fire Department since 2016 and was placed on nonpaid administrative leave following his arrest.
The City of Sanford released a statement following the plea hearing stating that Williams will remain on nonpaid administrative leave pending the sentencing in the plea agreement and the results of an administrative investigation.
Sanford city commissioner Patty Mahany has been vocal about the firefighter’s actions. Tuesday, she released this statement to News 6 saying, “I do support him being terminated. I understand that members in the public are outraged, but unfortunately, it’s not as easy to terminate someone and I do believe the fire chief will do the right thing.”
Williams’ sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 27.
Read the full statement from the city below: