KETTERING — New details released by the FBI Thursday accused a Kettering man charged in connection to the Capitol riot with directing a crowd of rioters in a tunnel at the Capitol.
David Mehaffie, 62, of Kettering, was arrested by the FBI last Thursday in Kettering and charged in connection to the Jan. 6 riot with:
- Assaulting, Resisting or Impeding Certain Officers and Aiding and Abetting
- Obstruction of an Official Proceeding and Aiding and Abetting
- Civil Disorder
- Disorderly Conduct in a Capitol Building
- Act of Physical Violence in the Capitol Grounds or Buildings
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According to the criminal complaint, Mehaffie was accused of “willingly and knowingly [engaging] in an act of physical violence” on Capitol grounds and in Capitol buildings on Jan. 6.
“As alleged, he stood above the crowd of rioters for approximately 26 minutes and helped to coordinate the mob’s actions by attempting to organize and direct individuals in and around the tunnel,” the FBI said in a statement. “Security footage captured him repeatedly using his arms to direct the mob and assisting members of the crowd as they passed items back and forth in the tunnel including riot shields stolen from law enforcement.
Investigators said video showed Mehaffie shouting “if you are going in, get on this side,” while pointing to the right side of the tunnel. He additionally directed rioters to “push, push,” the FBI said.
News Center 7 spoke with James Wolford, who said he has known Mehaffie for years – the two being former neighbors, he said.
“It was very surprising,” he said.
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“(It’s) more disturbing than anything,” Wolford said of the allegations against Mehaffie. “I’ve known him my whole life and never seen a problem out of him.”
Mehaffie is currently free on his own recognizance.
WHIO tried calling a number listed for Mehaffie in federal documents, but he did not answer.