Federal prosecutors are seeking a six-month prison sentence for Ray Epps, a Donald Trump supporter and defendant in the January 6 Capitol riot. Epps, who became the focus of conspiracy theories promoted by the far right and members of Congress, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge in September.

According to the sentencing memo filed on Tuesday, prosecutors argue that a six-month sentence is justified due to Epps' alleged efforts to "inspire and gather a crowd" to storm the Capitol and overwhelm law enforcement at a key breach point. Video footage from January 6, 2021, shows Epps holding a large Trump sign that rioters used to push through the police line.

Prosecutors described Epps as a "unique case" among the January 6 defendants, highlighting that he turned himself into the FBI shortly after the riot and cooperated with voluntary interviews. They also noted that Epps tried to de-escalate tensions between law enforcement and rioters during the attack on the Capitol.

Epps faced false allegations from a far-right conspiracy theory that claimed he was an undercover government agent during the riot. The conspiracy theory emerged after Epps' image was briefly added to and then removed from the FBI's Capitol Violence website. Prosecutors clarified that, apart from his service in the Marines, Epps has never been a federal agent. The Fallout from the conspiracy theories forced Epps to sell his business, move to a different state, and live reclusively.

However, prosecutors argued that the mitigating factors must be contextualized, pointing out that many January 6 defendants have faced adverse consequences in their lives as well. Sentencing courts in the district have generally rejected arguments that defendants have already been sufficiently punished by society for their actions on January 6.

It is worth mentioning that Epps filed a defamation suit against Fox News, accusing the network and former host Tucker Carlson of perpetuating false claims about him. Meanwhile, far-right House members and Republican Senator Ted Cruz of Texas have raised questions about Epps.

The sentencing memo cites Epps attributing the violence during the riot to undercover members of Antifa posing as Trump supporters. Prosecutors referenced Epps' interview with the former House Jan. 6 committee, stating that he repeatedly made this claim.

Epps' attorney has not yet provided a comment regarding the sentencing memo. Fox News has sought to dismiss the defamation lawsuit filed against them.

The case of Ray Epps continues to resonate, with various entities raising questions about his involvement and pushing for more information.