"Federal Charges Filed Against Jan. 6 Protester Linked to Unproven Hard-Right Conspiracy Theories"

Federal prosecutors have charged Ray Epps, a Utah man who participated in the Jan. 6 Capitol protest, with one misdemeanor count of disruptive or disorderly conduct in a restricted area. Epps, who became the subject of conspiracy theories accusing him of being an FBI informant, is expected to plead guilty to the charge. While Epps can be seen in videos encouraging the crowd to enter the Capitol, he claims he never entered the building. Epps' inclusion in FBI photos and subsequent removal led to speculation about his involvement in a false flag operation. Epps filed a libel suit against Fox News, alleging false accusations. Over 1,100 people have been charged in connection with the Capitol riot.