Olympic Swimmer Keller May Get Plea Deal In Capitol Riot: Report

WASHINGTON, DC — Former Olympic swimmer Klete Keller, who faces seven criminal charges in connection with the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol in January, could enter a plea bargain with federal prosecutors, according to a court filing in Washington on Friday.

The Los Angeles Times reported legal representatives for Keller — who was indicted by a grand jury on charges of civil disorder, obstructing an official proceeding and disorderly conduct in a restricted building — have begun discussions about a possible resolution of the case.

The eight-page motion, filed in U.S. District Court, said the parties involved in the discussions “need more time” to reach a resolution in the case, The Times reported.

“Mr. Keller is alleged to have unlawfully entered the Capitol, marched around various parts of the building, participated in chants while standing off with law enforcement officers, and impeded law enforcement efforts to address the civil disorder,” documents filed when Keller was charge indicate.

Keller, a three-time Olympian who has won two gold medals in the 800-meter freestyle relay in 2004 and 2008, has pleaded not guilty. Keller appeared via Zoom at a hearing in a Washington court room Friday afternoon, but did not speak. Prosecutors told the judge that no formal plea deal has been made to Keller as of Friday, but said that one could be coming "relatively soon."

U.S. District Judge Richard J. Leon told federal prosecutors to "move things along rapidly" and said to produce any further evidence they may have as it pertains to Keller's case.

"This case has been hanging over this defendant's head for a lot of months," Leon said.

Keller's next scheduled hearing in in August and the former Olympian remains free on a personal recognizance bond.

Keller’s presence at the riots at the Capitol on Jan. 6 was pronounced due to the USA jacket he wore that was part of gear issued to him as a member of the U.S. Olympic team. Keller was arrested on Jan. 14 and the FBI searched his home in Colorado.

In the criminal complaint against Keller, FBI officials said video surveillance showing him in the Olympic team jacket puts him the Capitol Rotunda. His height, 6-foot-6, also plays a role in officials identifying Keller, the documents state. The video shows law enforcement officers pushing Keller and others in an attempt to remove them from the Capitol building.

The Times reported on Friday that the court motion filed on Friday includes FBI materials, including video of Keller on the Capitol grounds and in the Capitol during the riot. The filing also requests a 60-day continuation for discussions to continue citing the large scope of the investigation.