Seven individuals have been sentenced following their convictions for federal conspiracy against rights and Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act offenses. These sentences are the result of three separate trials related to the forceful blockade of a Washington, D.C., area reproductive health clinic on Oct. 22, 2020.
Lauren Handy received a sentence of 57 months in prison, John Hinshaw was sentenced to 21 months, and William Goodman was given a 27-month sentence. In addition, Jonathan Darnel was sentenced to 34 months in prison, Herb Geraghty received a 27-month sentence, Jean Marshall was sentenced to 24 months, and Joan Bell was also given a 27-month sentence.
“Violence has no place in our national discourse on reproductive health. Using force, threatening to use force or physically obstructing access to reproductive health care is unlawful,” stated Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. She emphasized the importance of remembering past violence against reproductive health care providers as we mark the FACE Act's 30th anniversary.
U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves for the District of Columbia added that people cannot resort to using force and intimidation simply because they disagree with the law. He stressed that it is crucial for everyone to respect others' rights protected by law.
Assistant Director Michael Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division noted that FACE Act violations distress those attempting to safely access reproductive healthcare. In this case, these violations resulted in physical injury to a nurse.
Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI Washington Field Office reiterated that obstruction of civil rights will not be tolerated by the FBI or judicial system.
These defendants were convicted following three separate trials in 2023. Two other defendants are scheduled for sentencing later this month. Jay Smith was previously sentenced following his guilty plea to a felony FACE Act offense on March 1, 2023.
The evidence presented at trial established that the defendants used force and physical obstruction to execute a clinic blockade, which was organized by Handy and Darnel. The blockade was planned using social media, text messages, and telephone calls. Several co-conspirators traveled from northeast and midwestern states to participate in the blockade.
The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case, with prosecutors from the Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia prosecuting it.