Maine nurse gets probation for role in Capitol attack

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WMTW) - A nurse from Auburn will serve 12 months’ probation for her role in the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection.

A federal judge on Thursday also ordered Kymberly Sylvester to pay $500 restitution. Prosecutors had asked the judge to sentence Sylvester to 21 days in federal prison.

Sylvester pleaded guilty last March to knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority and knowingly with intent to impede or disrupt the orderly conduct of government business.

According to court records, authorities first identified Sylvester through her cellphone, which was in service in the interior of the United States Capitol Building on Jan. 6.

In December 2021, FBI agents say they interviewed Sylvester. She allegedly told authorities she entered the Capitol Building through a door that was already open. Court documents say she admitted walking through various rooms and saw others pushing and shoving on a door.

Sylvester alleged that was when she realized she shouldn’t be in the building and told a Capitol Police officer she wanted to get out.

According to court documents, she said that the officer helped her out of the building. She noted to authorities that “she was not involved in any rioting, theft or destruction of any kind.”

In a sentencing memo asking that Sylvester be given probation, Sylvester’s lawyer said she has “consistently and continuously” expressed regret and embarrassment about her actions on that day.

At least 10 people from Maine have been charged in connection with the Capitol riot, including a man who was just arrested this week, accused of deploying mace at police.