Prosecutors Drop Case Against Man Charged in Capitol Riot

Federal prosecutors have dropped the criminal case against a New York man who was accused of participating in the riot at the U.S. Capitol.

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It appears to be the first such move by the Justice Department in its sprawling Jan. 6 prosecution.

The dismissal of charges against Christopher M. Kelly was disclosed in a court filing Wednesday.

The filing doesn’t elaborate on the decision, and the Department of Justice refused to provide more information.

Meanwhile, prosecutors have secured a second guilty plea by one of the Capitol riot defendants.

Florida resident Paul Allard Hodgkins faces a possible prison sentence after pleading guilty on Wednesday to a felony charge of obstructing an official proceeding.