The trial of Oath Keepers founder, Stewart Rhodes, on seditious conspiracy charges related to the January 6th Capitol attack has taken a salacious turn with the revelation of sexually suggestive text messages between Rhodes and his lawyer, Kelly Sorel. The messages, exchanged just days before the insurrection, raise questions about the nature of their relationship and Sorel’s role in the alleged conspiracy.
A “Quick Reaction Force” and a Controversial Defense
Rhodes, a Yale-educated lawyer, faces multiple charges for his alleged role in the Capitol riot. Prosecutors allege that Rhodes and other Oath Keepers members planned to use a “quick reaction force” (QRF) to prevent the certification of President Biden’s victory. This heavily armed group was stationed at a Comfort Inn in Arlington, Virginia, prepared to transport weapons across the Potomac River if called upon by then-President Trump.
Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes speaks at a rally in Washington
Rhodes’ defense team has attempted to distance him from the QRF, claiming he was not present at the Comfort Inn. They argue that the weapons purchases made by Rhodes in the days leading up to January 6th were legal and intended for self-defense. The defense has suggested that the Oath Keepers were prepared to act as a “private militia” for President Trump if he invoked the Insurrection Act, a claim that has drawn significant scrutiny.
Suggestive Texts Cast Doubt on Attorney-Client Privilege
The text messages between Rhodes and Sorel, sent on January 3, 2021, paint a picture of a relationship that goes beyond a typical attorney-client dynamic. In one exchange, Rhodes, referring to a sexual act, tells Sorel to “come on over” if she “needs some.” Sorel, who was at the same hotel as Rhodes, responds by saying she’s busy with her “girlies for the night.”
These messages, along with others that include suggestive language and emojis, have raised concerns about Sorel’s ability to effectively represent Rhodes. Prosecutors have argued that the communications demonstrate a romantic relationship, potentially undermining Sorel’s claims of attorney-client privilege. They suggest that Sorel may have been more than just a lawyer to Rhodes, potentially even an active participant in the conspiracy.
The Role of Kelly Sorel: Lawyer or Something More?
Sorel, who faces separate charges related to January 6th, insists that she and Rhodes do not have a romantic relationship and that her communications with him are protected under attorney-client privilege. However, the suggestive nature of their exchanges has cast doubt on these assertions.
Adding to the intrigue, Sorel has previously claimed to be the acting president of the Oath Keepers following Rhodes’ indictment. This raises further questions about her involvement with the group and her knowledge of their plans for January 6th.
The Trial Continues: Seeking Clarity Amidst Controversy
The revelation of these text messages has added another layer of complexity to an already high-profile trial. The prosecution is expected to further scrutinize the relationship between Rhodes and Sorel, using the messages as evidence to support their claim that Sorel was more involved in the alleged conspiracy than she admits.
As the trial unfolds, the jury will have to determine the true nature of the relationship between Rhodes and Sorel and the extent to which it impacts the charges against them. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for future prosecutions related to the January 6th attack and the efforts to hold those responsible accountable.
