Falkville man accepts plea deal over Jan. 6 Capitol riot

Published 2:12 pm Monday, September 13, 2021

Prosecutors said Coffman left his truck in the morning during that day of chaos and rioting and was arrested when he returned to the truck in the evening. Investigators found the weapons while he was gone.

A Falkville man who authorities say brought five loaded firearms and 11 molotov cocktails to the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 has agreed to a plea agreement.

Lonnie Coffman, 71, was charged in a 17-count indictment with possessing a dozen Molotov cocktail explosive devices and a number of guns and ammo on the day of the pro-Trump riot that led to a breach of the Capitol and forced the evacuation of Congress.

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U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly had set a Sept. 29 plea hearing for Coffman who was the first person indicted in the Capitol riot probe.

A joint notice with Coffman’s defense, prosecutors wrote, “The parties have reached an agreement to resolve this case prior to trial through a plea agreement,” adding that Coffman was ready to plead as scheduled.

The notice did not specify what Coffman would plead guilty to or whether he was cooperating with prosecutors. A plea is not final until accepted by a judge.

Coffman has been jailed since his arrest Jan. 6.