South Fayette Capitol riot suspect has covid, hearing delayed

A status conference for a South Fayette man charged in the Capitol riot case was postponed Wednesday after he recently tested positive for covid-19.

Jorden Mink, 27, is charged with 10 counts, including assaulting, resisting or impeding officers using a dangerous weapon; civil disorder and committing an act of physical violence on Capitol grounds.

He has remained in custody since his arrest on Jan. 18.

Investigators said Mink used a baseball bat to break two windows in the Capitol building during the insurrection on Jan. 6. Mink is also accused of spitting on law enforcement officers that day.

Investigators said they received tips about Mink’s participation. He was identified through distinctive tattoos on his neck and under his left eye, according to a criminal complaint.

Wednesday’s hearing, before U.S. District Court Judge Randolph D. Moss, in Washington, D.C., was brief.

Defense attorney Michael Moser told Moss that his client, who was initially held in the Butler County prison before ultimately being moved to a facility in Washington, D.C., was diagnosed about a week ago and has been “pretty symptomatic.”

“I haven’t been able to talk to him,” Moser said.

The attorney told the court that he was concerned about his client’s physical and mental health, noting that since being moved to D.C., Mink has not been receiving his medications for depression, anxiety and insomnia as they’re prescribed.

Moser asked that Mink be transferred to a treatment facility in D.C. instead.

Moss said that he would contact general counsel for the corrections facilities and ensure Mink is receiving the proper care or be transferred to D.C.’s Central Treatment Facility if appropriate.

The judge said he did not want to take any substantive action on the case without Mink being present, or at least, agreeing to waive his presence.

Both attorneys agreed.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael DiLorenzo said that discovery in the case has been provided to the defense and asked that the court set the next status conference in 30 days.