Stephanie Hazelton, a Medford woman, pled not guilty to six charges relating to the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol riots on Thursday.
Hazelton is charged with obstruction of official proceedings, entering a restricted building, disorderly conduct in a restricted building, disorderly conduct in the U.S. Capitol and impeding passage on Capitol grounds.
Hazelton was arrested on Jan. 22 after a video surfaced allegedly showing her directing a crowd of Capitol protesters into the building. In the video, the woman identified as Hazelton can be heard shouting “we need more men” and “we gotta keep going.”
If Hazelton is found guilty of all six charges, she faces a maximum sentence of 27 years and six months in jail and a $710,000 fine.
During her virtual arraignment on Jan. 29, Hazelton’s lawyer said, “Before she passes out, I would just like to note that these are the maximum penalties.”
Hazelton will appear before United States District Judge John D. Bates on Feb. 18 for a status update.
After her arrest, Hazelton posted a $100,000 bond and has been released pending trial. During this time, she is prohibited from visiting Washington D.C. or entering government buildings unless her presence is requested. She must also alert pretrial services of any travel outside New Jersey and receive approval before leaving the country. Hazelton is also prohibited from owning any illegal firearms or committing state or federal crimes.
If Hazelton does not comply with these conditions, a warrant could be issued for her arrest, her conditions of release could be revoked and she could be incarcerated pending trial. She could also face an additional charge of contempt of court.
Hazelton, who also goes by the name Ayla Wolf, is a conservative activist whose involvement in “Reopen New Jersey” rallies at Atilis Gym in Bellmawr this summer gained her media attention. Hazelton’s LinkedIn says she is the founder of New Jersey for Medical Freedom, a group that organizes against mandated vaccinations.
Hazelton is also involved in another pending case in the state of New Jersey after organizing a rally in excess of 100 people in Mercer County in April, a violation of an Executive Order.
UPDATE: This story was modified Friday morning to include a clarifying sentence concerning Hazelton’s conditions of release.
