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A Champion man and a Sharpsville, Pa., man were arraigned Tuesday on four federal charges linked to the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.
Stephen M. Ayres, 38, of Carolewood Circle NW, Champion, and Matthew Perna, no age given, of Sharpsville, Pa., both pleaded not guilty to charges of obstruction of an official proceeding and aiding and abetting; entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, and disorderly conduct in the Capitol building.
The arraignment was held via video before Judge John D. Bates in U.S. Court, District of Columbia. Bates allowed the defendants to continue their personal recognizance bonds and scheduled a status conference hearing in the case at 10 a.m. May 7.
What the doctor’s defense could cost taxpayers is not being disclosed.
Escobar is awaiting trial on 145 charges accusing him of illegally prescribing drugs out of his Lake Milton medical offices. Prosecutors allege Escobar prescriptions caused the deaths of two patients.
At Tuesday’s hearing, U.S. District Court Judge Donald Nugent approved the funding plan, but the details are not open to the public.
On Monday, the judge allowed Escobar and his attorneys to file a motion “under seal,” meaning outside of the view of the public, regarding the cost of Escobar’s defense. The government is paying for his defense.