Former Cleveland schools worker pens letter to judge before sentencing in Capitol riots case

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - The Willoughby woman who pleaded guilty to a federal charge for participating in the January 2021 riots at the U.S. Capitol building will be sentenced on Friday morning.

Before her sentencing, Christine Priola wrote a letter to United States District Court for the District of Columbia Judge Tanya Chutkan.

“I caused fear in the people who were in and around the building that day and caused fear for their families as well,” the former Cleveland Metropolitan School District employee wrote.

Priola used the 10-page letter as an opportunity to explain how she felt she reformed since the day of the crime. She also detailed how her family has been negatively affected by her actions on Jan. 6, 2021.

Read the letter below:

Priola was among the individuals seen in photos taken from inside the U.S. Capitol Senate chambers after trespassers interrupted a joint Congressional session, the FBI and police in Washington, D.C. said. She could be seen holding a sign that said “The Children Cry Out for Justice” while pointing a cell phone at another individual seated at the vice president’s chair.

At the time of the riots, Priola was employed by CMSD as an occupational therapist. She resigned from her position the day after the riots.

Priola’s sentencing is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Friday in Washington, D.C.