Plea negotiations break down for Orlando man facing Capitol riot charges

Grady Owens accused of hitting officer with a skateboard

A wanted poster created by the FBI. Federal prosecutors say the images show Grady Owens during the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riots. (WKMG 2020)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Plea negotiations have reportedly broken down in the case of an Orlando man charged for his role in the Capitol Hill riot.

Grady Owens, a student at Full Sail University at the time, was arrested in April of 2021 after investigators said he hit a Capitol police officer with his skateboard during the attack on the Capitol.

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Owens has pleaded not guilty to 13 charges that were filed against him.

In court on Friday, federal prosecutors informed a judge that plea negotiations with Owens and his attorney have broken down.

The judge green lit his case to proceed to trial, which is set for Dec. 5 in Washington, D.C.

Owens’ father, Jason Owens, is also charged.

His attorney did not mention their status with a possible plea deal.

Owens is one of 30 Central Florida residents who have been arrested and charged in connection with the riot on Capitol Hill.

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About the Author

Erik Sandoval joined the News 6 team as a reporter in May 2013 and became an Investigator in 2020. During his time at News 6, Erik has covered several major stories, including the 2016 Presidential campaign. He was also one of the first reporters live on the air at the Pulse Nightclub shooting.

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