A Gorham man who was the second Mainer charged with participating in the January 2021 U.S. Capitol insurrection pleaded guilty to one charge of violent entry, disorderly conduct and demonstrating, parading or picketing in a Capitol building.
Nicholas Patrick Hendrix, 35, pleaded guilty to that charge in exchange for prosecutors dropping three misdemeanor charges during a plea hearing on Monday, according to court documents.
The three other charges were entering and remaining in a restricted building, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building and disorderly conduct in a Capitol building.
Hendrix said he had driven from Maine to Newton, Massachusetts, on Jan. 5, 2021, to meet up with other rioters. There, they boarded a bus to Washington, D.C., and arrived the next day at 6:30 a.m. to attend a rally on the National Mall, according to court documents.
Hendrix admitted to “willfully and knowingly” entering the Capitol with a crowd of rioters at 3:10 p.m that afternoon, where he lingered for 90 seconds before walking out and trying to re-enter the building until he was pepper sprayed.
Hendrix agreed to pay $500 in restitution and waive his right to a trial. He faces up to six months’ imprisonment, five years’ probation and a maximum fine of $5,000.
Hendrix was the second man with Maine ties who was arrested for participating in the insurrection, which claimed five lives and sparked a congressional investigation.
His attorney told the court last summer that his client was a military veteran and father of five who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Henrix remains free on bail and the court will sentence him in December, according to court documents.