Oath Keepers founder sentenced to 18 years in prison for role in Jan 6 riot

Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes was sentenced Thursday to 18 years for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot. 

Rhodes was convicted last year by a jury in a federal court in Washington for sedition and other felony charges. 

Rhodes said he plans to appeal his conviction and sentence, according to NPR.

U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta rejected Rhodes' bid for leniency and his statement that he was prosecuted for political reasons.

"A seditious conspiracy ... is among the most serious crimes an individual American can commit," Mehta said. "It is an offense against the people of this country."

Oath Keepers is a citizens militia group.

The Justice Department had asked for Rhodes to serve 25 years in prison, but his legal team requested he serve a year and a half.