ASHLAND — An Ashland doctor is facing federal charges after being accused of participating in the January 6, 2021, riot at the Capitolauthorities said.
Federal authorities arrested Jacquelyn Starer, 68, on Tuesday and charged her with civil disobedience; assaulting, resisting or hindering certain officers; entering and staying in a restricted building; engaging in physical violence in a restricted building and disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building.
According to a statement of facts filed in US District Court in Washington, DC, an informant told investigators on January 11, 2021 about Starer’s alleged involvement in the riots. The insider said that before going to Washington, Starer bragged about “being ready,” wearing a knife-proof shirt and having several bottles of pepper spray.
Federal officials say multiple photos taken by various news outlets show Starer outside the Capitol building before protesters over the certification of votes to elect Joe Biden for president entered the building.
Security video reportedly shows Starer entering the building through the East Rotunda doors. According to the federal document, Starer is shown on the body cameras of Metropolitan Police Department officers pushing one officer and then punching another.
It is unclear when Starer will appear in federal court in Washington, where all cases related to the Capitol riot are being heard. A voicemail left at a number listed under Starer’s name was not immediately returned.
Other area residents involved:Photo shows a member of the Natick town meeting inside the Capitol during a violent riot
Starer is a doctor. According to her LinkedIn page, she is a physician assistant by day in the inpatient addiction recovery program at Brigham & Women’s Faulkner Hospital in Jamaica Plain.
Brigham & Women’s Hospital issued a statement Tuesday stating that this was no longer the case: “According to hospital policy, the only information we can share is employment status. This individual was a day employee who is no longer active in our organization.”
Another MetroWest resident charged in Capitol riot
Starer is at least the second person from MetroWest charged with involvement in the Capitol riot.
Sue Ianni, a former member of the Natick Town Meeting, was sentenced to 15 days in federal prison earlier this month, as well as probation and community service. He pleaded guilty in September. entering or remaining in any building or restricted grounds without lawful authorization, and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds. She was arrested in January 2021.
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According to a statement from the US Attorney’s Office, nearly 900 people have been charged in the January 6, 2021, riotsincluding 270 charged with assaulting or hindering a police officer.
You can contact Norman Miller at 508-626-3823 or nmiller@wickedlocal.com. For up-to-date public safety news, follow him on Twitter. @Norman_MillerMW or on Facebook at facebook.com/NormanMillerCrime.
This article originally appeared on the MetroWest Daily News: Ashland doctor charged with assaulting officer in Jan. 6 Capitol riot