SEXTING SEDITION: The sexy, steamy world of the Oath Keepers trial

SEXTING SEDITION: The sexy, steamy world of the Oath Keepers trial

The Oath Keepers’ communications are a significant part of their seditious conspiracy trial, but on Monday, racy, NSFW texts were entered into the records that show one member seeking a degree of attorney-client privilege that doesn’t usually enter the courtroom.

Stewart Rhodes, Kelly Meggs, Kenneth Harrelson, Jessica Watkins and Thomas Caldwell are accused of coordinating in advance of the January 6th attack, with plans to store a cache of guns off-site and access them when and if then-president Donald Trump gave the call. One of their attorneys, Kellye SoRelle, is also facing charges stemming from the Capitol breach.

However, it turns out she’s got more in common with the current slate of defendants, particularly Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes than simply opposition to the outcome of the 2020 election. During the trial, she was shown to have traveled from Texas to Virginia with Rhodes, where they both stayed overnight in a hotel before the day of the electoral confirmation.

Messages between the two were also shown, suggesting that their relationship went beyond supporting the former president’s false claims of election fraud, and into the sexual arena. In one message, Rhodes can be seen inviting SoRelle to join him for intimate activity.

That wasn’t the end of it, either, despite a gentle dismissal from SoRelle.

From the Daily Kos:

The “romantic” texts continue after SoRelle appears to beg off in light of the day ahead.
“Maybe I’ll drag you into my hotel room then…,” Rhodes writes.

While SoRelle isn’t included in the seditious conspiracy charges, Department of Justice documentation does allege that she, on January 7th, after the furor had died down, influenced others to destroy or withhold evidence from an official proceeding. Prosecutors say that she reached out to Oath Keepers members and urged them to delete incriminating messages.

While love notes between the extremist group’s leader and his lawyer might be the most startling (and cringiest) revelation from Monday’s testimony, it’s not the most incriminating by any means.

Prosecutors also revealed security footage showing defendants and others moving containers, including a rifle bag and large heavy bins, allegedly full of weapons for their Quick Response Force.

Steph Bazzle covers politics and theocracy, always aiming for a world free from extremism and authoritarianism. Follow Steph on Twitter @imjustasteph.

Stephanie Bazzle

Steph Bazzle is a news writer who covers politics and theocracy, always aiming for a world free from extremism and authoritarianism. Follow Steph on Twitter @imjustasteph. Sign up for all of her stories to be delivered to your inbox here: