An Arizona man charged in connection with his activities at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, has been ordered to stand trial next summer in a Washington D.C. federal courthouse.
Jacob L. Zerkle was indicted by a federal grand jury earlier this year on eight counts, including three which allege he “did forcibly assault, resist, oppose, impede, intimidate and interfere with” three officers of the Metropolitan Police Department engaged in official duties in or around the Capitol building.
Zerkle, who resides in northeastern Cochise County, was arrested in Tucson on March 15 on a warrant issued by a federal magistrate in Washington D.C. He took part in his initial court appearance with the magistrate via video from a federal detention center in Tucson two days later.
Court records show Zerkle, 51, was released from custody by the magistrate to await trial. He must travel to D.C. next year for a May 5 pretrial conference, with his trial beginning June 12 with jury selection.
Four of the eight count stem from Zerkle’s presence and conduct while in the U.S. Capitol building and grounds, including an allegation he knowingly engaged in an act of physical violence against someone in a restricted area “where the Vice President was and would be temporarily visiting.”
The remaining charge alleges Zerkle committed civil disorder “which in any way and degree obstructed, delayed, and adversely affected…the conduct and performance of any federally protected function.”
Zerkle’s name was unknown to investigators for several months until an image from an officer’s body cam was posted to the FBI’s website. After being identified, Zerkle was interviewed at his residence by FBI Special Agent Bret Curtis last October.
During the interview, Zerkle was shown several images taken from outside the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. He admitted driving with a family member from Arizona to D.C. in order to protest about election integrity.
“Zerkle stated that he did not attend former President Trump’s speech because he went to the Capitol to protest, not to listen to speeches,” Curtis wrote in a 12-page statement of facts attached to the criminal complaint.
Curtis also noted Zerkle admitted pushing into some police officers and “probably did something dumb” but said he was also being shoved in the crowd and never intended to assault an officer.
Many defendants charged in connection with Jan. 6 activities have been ordered held without bail or remain in custody due to an excessively high bail. Zerkle was released on his own recognizance without being required to post any bail.
