A man facing charges in connection with the January 6th Capitol riot is asking a federal court to pay him for the time and work of defending himself after he dismissed his public defender, according to court filings reported by The Post-Standard.
Eric, 49, from New York, submitted a list of fees he says the court should cover. He asked for $10,000 per 30 minute court appearance, or $50,000 if the appearance is “under duress.” He also asked for $500 for each hour of research, or $50,000 under duress. The filing reportedly adds $6 million if he feels there was an attempt to forge his signature and $5 million if the court requires him to submit “bodily fluids.”
Last Thursday, a judge allowed him to end his court appointed counsel during a virtual hearing. No ruling had been made on the payment demands at the time of reporting.
“I’m representing myself, so a lot of work gets put into this,” he told The Post-Standard.
According to court records, Eric is charged with violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds and unlawfully entering a restricted building or grounds. He has not been convicted. He has said he was inside the Capitol on January 6th as an independent journalist. WeChat messages cited in the case reportedly show support for former President Trump and claims that the election was stolen.
Eric remains free on bond and said he is unsure whether he will attend future hearings if the court does not pay him. Public defender John Gilsenan is serving as his standby counsel.
Made to order and shipped to your door.
