Feds ask for probation for former Rocky Mount police officer Jacob Fracker who stormed Capitol
A former Virginia police officer who pleaded guilty to storming the U.S. Capitol with another off-duty officer deserves to avoid a prison sentence for his cooperation and trial testimony against the other officer, federal prosecutors argued in a court filing Tuesday.
Former Rocky Mount police officer faces jury trial on Capitol riot charges
Over a year ago, two off-duty police officers from a small town in Virginia were charged with storming the U.S. Capitol together. One of them is heading to trial and faced a courtroom full of potential jurors on Monday. The other could be a key prosecution witness.
Former Rocky Mount officers plead not guilty to charges, barred from possessing firearms while awaiting trial
On Thursday the two former Rocky Mount police officers charged in connection with the riots at the U.S. Capitol appeared virtually in federal court. During the proceedings, the attorneys for Jacob Fracker, 29, and Thomas Robertson, 47, entered not guilty pleas for their clients. Both men are charged with obstruction of an official proceeding and aiding and abetting, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building, entering and remaining in a restricted building and disorderly conduct in the Capitol. Both men’s attorneys requested the video and body camera footage that prosecutors plan to use in their case; however, prosecutors want to protect that evidence. AdBoth men are currently released on recognizance, and because of that, they must follow certain requirements, one of which is not possessing firearms.
Former Rocky Mount officers plead not guilty to four federal charges against them
The two former Rocky Mount police officers charged in connection with the riots at the U.S. Capitol last month pleaded not guilty on Tuesday afternoon. Jacob Fracker and Thomas Robertson have been indicted on the following charges in connection with the riots on Jan. 6:Obstruction of an official proceeding and aiding and abettingDisorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted buildingEntering and remaining in a restricted buildingDisorderly conduct in the CapitolBoth men were fired from the Rocky Mount Police Department last week. A date for their next hearing has not yet been announced. 10 News has followed this story closely since it began. Here’s a look at all we’ve published, from newest to oldest:
Two former Rocky Mount police officers each indicted on four federal charges connected to Capitol riots
The two former Rocky Mount police officers charged in connection with the riots at the U.S. Capitol last month now face new charges. Both men were fired from the Rocky Mount Police Department last week. The two posted the photo above of themselves on social media inside the U.S. Capitol during the Jan. 6 riots. Their next court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday at 3 p.m.10 News has followed this story closely since it began. Here’s a look at all we’ve published, from newest to oldest:
Family member, local activist react to Rocky Mount police officers firing
ROCKY MOUNT, Va. – Jacob Fracker and Thomas Robertson are no longer employees of the Rocky Mount Police Department. Both were fired Tuesday, a few weeks after the photo above of them surfaced on social media, sparking a federal investigation. At the address listed for Fracker, his mother-in-law answered the door and said that he does not live there. Hopefully, this will be a lesson learned to all our future officers, integrity is with you on and off the clock.”The Town of Rocky Mount released a statement that reads:“The Rocky Mount Police Department has terminated employment for officers Jacob Fracker and Thomas Robertson effective Tuesday, January 26. The actions by two have driven our beautiful town into the national spotlight in ways that do not reflect our whole community and the people who call Rocky Mount home.
Rocky Mount cops claim innocence during Capitol riots, but federal warrant says otherwise
In another video shared in the same conversation as the first, the warrant details that Fracker appeared to be on the outside of the Capitol. On December 19, 2020, three weeks before the riot, the warrant says Robertson commented on Facebook, “Civility has left me. Love you!”According to the warrant, the next day Robertson commented on another post, “Well....F*** you. Once....for real.... you people ACTUALLY realized who you work for.”On another post on the same day, Robertson wrote, “Peace is done. OUR HOUSE.”The next day, the warrant details that Robertson told a friend on Facebook, “I’m going to war.
Rocky Mount officer charged in Capitol riots doesn’t give up guns before court-mandated deadline
The Rocky Mount police officers who went inside the Capitol during the riots were in federal court on Tuesday as a part of a long line of people who were charged from the insurrection. Jacob Fracker, 29, and Thomas Robertson, 47, each face a charge of knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority and a charge of violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds. [Photo surfaces showing two Rocky Mount police officers inside Capitol on Wednesday]While in court last week, they were ordered to give up all their guns; however, when police visited one of their homes, they found several guns inside. They will be back in court on Feb. 2.
Rocky Mount releases first statement naming officers who were inside the US Capitol
ROCKY MOUNT, Va. – “We stand with and add our support to those who have denounced the violence and illegal activity that took place that day.”That’s part of the joint statement released by Rocky Mount Chief of Police Ken Criner, Police Captain Mark Lovern and Town Manager James Ervin on Thursday evening. The statement comes after the federal arrest of two Rocky Mount police officers, Jacob Fracker and Thomas Robertson. The charges against both men stem from the picture above, which was taken inside the U.S. Capitol on the day the building was stormed. Thursday’s statement from Rocky Mount leaders is the first time they’ve named the two officers. Below you can read the statement in its entirety:
Two Rocky Mount police officers now each face 2 federal charges in connection with storming of US Capitol
ROCKY MOUNT, Va. – Two Rocky Mount Police officers now face federal charges in connection with last Wednesday’s events at the U.S. Capitol. On Wednesday afternoon, the two appeared virtually in federal court in Roanoke for their first hearing. The government wanted them to wear GPS tracking ankle bracelets, but the judge felt that was not necessary due to them being police officers and military veterans. Keep poking us.”The complaint also mentions two social media posts that 10 News showed you on Sunday afternoon. Rocky Mount Police Officer Jacob Fracker's Facebook Page captured by 10 News.
Protesters clash outside Rocky Mount Town Council meeting amid backlash over officers at Capitol
ROCKY MOUNT, Va. – Two Rocky Mount police officers remain on administrative leave after a photo showing the men standing inside the U.S. Capitol the same day as the deadly riot. As of Monday night, the U.S. Capitol Police had not responded to the allegations that the two Rocky Mount officers thought they were allowed in. A 10 News crew was there Monday night as two opposing groups of protesters clashed outside the Rocky Mount Town Council meeting. Scene outside Rocky Mount Town Council meeting Here's a look outside tonight's Rocky Mount Town Council meeting where our Lindsey Kennett WSLS 10 News says there are Black Lives Matter supporters and protesters who support the two officers who were photographed at the Capitol on Wednesday. During Monday night’s virtual meeting, Rocky Mount Town Council did not discuss what would happen to the officers, who are both placed on administrative leave pending an investigation.
Photo surfaces showing two Rocky Mount police officers inside Capitol on Wednesday
ROCKY MOUNT, Va. – UPDATE - Wednesday 1/13Both men now face federal charges in connection with last Wednesday’s events at the U.S. Capitol. UPDATE - Monday 1/11A photo of two Rocky Mount police officers at the U.S. Capitol building on Wednesday has caused people to speak out both in support of and against the officers. Rocky Mount town leaders remained silent Monday, although that may change as the Town Council hosts a regularly scheduled council meeting Monday night. That includes in our area, where an activist shared this post on Facebook Saturday night questioning if two Rocky Mount police officers went inside the Capitol that day. Screenshot obtained by 10 News shows activist, Bridgette Craighead's viral post about the two Rocky Mount police officers.