Colorado Politics

Colorado Springs Olympian Klete Keller indicted in Capitol riot, charges added

Klete Keller, a former U.S. Olympic swimmer and resident of Colorado Springs, was indicted Thursday for his alleged role in last month’s deadly riot at the U.S. Capitol.

Thursday’s indictment includes four additional charges, and possibly a stiffer punishment than Keller originally faced when an arrest warrant was issued last month.

A federal grand jury indicted Keller on seven charges, including civil disorder, obstruction of an official proceeding, aiding and abetting, entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, impeding passage through the Capitol grounds of buildings, and parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building, according to documents filed in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., on Thursday.

Keller, 38, was identified as the man in the video last month by sports news outlet SwimSwam, after colleagues and former coaches recognized him in videos of the Jan. 6 mob inside the Capitol. Federal prosecutors referred to SwimSwam’s report and the same footage, captured by conservative political news outfit Townhall Media, to make their case.

The former Olympian was wearing a U.S. Olympic team jacket while inside the Capitol, making it easier for federal prosecutors to identify him.

A Nevada native, Keller competed in the 2000, 2004 and 2008 Olympics, and brought home two gold medals, competing alongside teammate Michael Phelps. His post-Olympic career, though, took a dark turn, through divorce and unemployment and a low that saw Keller living in his car, according to a report by NBC Sports.

After settling in the Springs in 2018, Keller began working as an independent broker with commercial real estate firm Hoff and Leigh. Last month, the agency announced he had resigned from the firm, effective immediately.

Keller is among at least five Coloradans facing charges in relation to the insurrection attempt at the Capitol, in which five people were killed and several injured.

RELATED:

In closing arguments, Colorado congressman pieces together impeachment case against Trump

Feds: Man charged in riot suggested bringing weapons by boat

Left: Klete Keller dons a gold medal at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. Right: A man several associates identified as Keller is seen inside the rotunda of the Capitol building last Wednesday. (Photos courtesy of SwimSwam.com)
Courtesy of SwimSwam.com
Tags

PREV

PREVIOUS

In rural Colorado, one town is looking to its community college to help survive the end of coal

Even in the dark of night, chalky smoke from the coal power plant looms over Craig. For generations, coal has been a constant in this northwestern Colorado city. But by 2030, the Craig Station stacks will go quiet as Colorado shifts to renewable energy. Coal has fueled not only Colorado’s power needs, but also Craig’s […]

NEXT

NEXT UP

Stephanie Piko plans another term as Centennial's mayor

Centennial Mayor Stephanie Piko announced that she’ll seek another term leading the fast-growing south Metro Denver city during an event Thursday evening. Piko became the city’s third mayor in 2018 after six years on the City Council, representing District 4, which covers the eastern portion of the city. The election is Nov. 2. Piko was […]


Welcome Back.

Streak: 9 days i

Stories you've missed since your last login:

Stories you've saved for later:

Recommended stories based on your interests:

Edit my interests