Damian Johnston's official candidate photo from his 2022 run for Valley City School Board.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (KFGO) – A former Valley City political candidate and prominent member of the North Dakota Young Republicans has pleaded guilty in federal court for charges stemming from the January 6, 2021 Capitol riots.
Damian Johnston, 21, pleaded guilty to two counts of Violent Entry and Disorderly Conduct on Capitol Grounds. Charges of Parading, Demonstrating, or Picketing in a Capitol Building, Entering and Remaining in a Restricted Building, and Disorderly and Disruptive Conduct in a Restricted Building were dropped as part of a plea agreement.
Johnston was indicted in U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia. His case was unsealed on September 26, 2024. He was arrested in Appleton, Wisconsin, later that day. He pleaded guilty October 17. By pleading guilty, Johnston waived his right to a trial by jury. His sentencing date is scheduled for February 20, 2025.
Johnston is from Valley City, and ran for Valley City School Board in 2022. He served as the Vice Chairman of North Dakota Young Republicans up to February 2024. He had been a Valley City volunteer firefighter, and was working as a diesel mechanic in Appleton when he was arrested.
Multiple attempts by KFGO News to contact Johnston have been unsuccessful.
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