Oath Keeper sentenced as judge laments 'true American hero' who 'turned against democracy'

A federal judge on Friday sentenced a former leader of the Oath Keepers militia group to three years of probation in exchange for the Army combat veteran’s extensive cooperation with prosecutors investigating the violent MAGA-inspired attack on the Capitol, according to media reports.

But the road to redemption for Joshua James came with a catch: he was required to hand over the Purple Heart he earned in 2007 – once considered to be “his proudest achievement” – after sustaining injuries in an explosive attack in Baghdad, Politico reported.

He surrendered the Army medal to the government in a small manila envelope after pleading guilty to seditious conspiracy – the first Jan. 6 defendant to do so – for his role in the insurrection plot. As part of his plea deal, James, a former regional leader in charge of the Alabama chapter, agreed to cooperate with the Justice Department's ongoing investigation, prosecutors said.

In a courtroom Friday, James continued to show remorse, describing himself through tears as “deeply ashamed and embarrassed for my actions in the Capitol,” according to Politico.

ALSO READ: New Trump foreign affairs pick has history of forging ties with right-wing authoritarians

“What I did was not an expression of patriotism,” James told U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta, the publication reported.

In remarks from the bench, Mehta – an appointee of former President Barack Obama – "acknowledged the wrenching conflict of James’ life,” and called him a “true American hero” who ultimately “turned against democracy,” Politico noted.

“That is what people need to wrap their heads around,” the judge said, “about how close we came — on a knife’s edge — between what happened on Jan. 6, which was bad enough, and something far worse,” according to Politico.

James’ attorney said her client’s cooperation with prosecutors brought about threats against him and his family, and added that he also lost his military benefits and military honors.

“He would probably serve years in prison if he could get that back,” Robin said.