WASHINGTON (AP) - Ray Epps, a target of right-wing conspiracy theories surrounding the U.S. Capitol riot, has been sentenced to a year of probation for his involvement in the January 6, 2021, attack. Epps, a former Arizona resident who faced death threats and went into hiding, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge in September.

During the sentencing on Tuesday, Chief Judge James Boasberg imposed no jail time on Epps and allowed unrestricted travel during his probation. However, Epps must carry out 100 hours of community service. Notably, Epps appeared remotely via video conference and was not present in the D.C. courtroom.

Fox News Channel and other right-wing media outlets had amplified conspiracy theories accusing Epps of being an undercover government agent who instigated the Capitol attack. Epps filed a defamation lawsuit against Fox News, alleging that the network spread baseless claims about him.

In court, Epps expressed remorse for believing the false narratives of a stolen election propagated by former President Donald Trump and his allies, including Fox News. "I have learned that truth is not always found in the places that I used to trust," Epps stated, requesting leniency from the judge.

Despite clear evidence of the Capitol riot being carried out by Trump supporters, many conspiracy theorists still refuse to accept this fact. The judge expressed hope that the threats against Epps and his wife would subside so they could move forward with their lives. The couple had been hounded out of their home and town due to the ordeal.

Federal prosecutors supported Epps' claims, affirming that he was not a government plant or FBI operative. Epps had never served as a government employee or agent beyond his time with the U.S. Marines in the early 1980s.

The relentless accusations against Epps have persisted even after he was charged by the Justice Department for his participation in the January 6 siege. Epps and his wife were forced to sell their properties and businesses and live in a trailer in the woods, isolated from their family, friends, and community.

Epps pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct on restricted grounds, a charge that carries a maximum sentence of one year behind bars. Prosecutors argued that Epps should serve jail time for his actions during the Capitol riot, despite acknowledging that he did not initiate the violence.

Epps' lawyer, Edward Ungvarsky, requested six months of probation without jail time, emphasizing that his client had gone to Washington to peacefully protest the certification of the Electoral College vote.

Prosecutors alleged that Epps encouraged the mob, pushed a large sign into a group of officers, and participated in a "rugby scrum-like group effort" to force past a line of police officers.

Epps surrendered to the FBI shortly after the riot and cooperated with FBI agents and the House committee that investigated the Jan. 6 insurrection.

The sentencing brings attention to the ongoing consequences faced by individuals involved in the Capitol attack. The case highlights the spread of false conspiracies that continue to disrupt lives and perpetuate a climate of hate and extremism.