Major Controversies Surrounding Stewart Rhodes: A Detailed Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 15, 2026

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Stewart Rhodes.

Elmer Stewart Rhodes III is an American former attorney and the founder of the far-right anti-government militia group, the Oath Keepers. He was convicted of seditious conspiracy and evidence tampering for his involvement in the January 6th United States Capitol attack. Rhodes was sentenced to 18 years in prison. However, after President Donald Trump's return to office in 2025, Rhodes' sentence was commuted to time served, leading to his release.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

December 8, 2015: Rhodes Disbarred by Montana Supreme Court

On December 8, 2015, Elmer Stewart Rhodes was disbarred by the Montana Supreme Court for conduct violating the Montana Rules of Professional Conduct.

2018: Adams Filed for Divorce

In 2018, Tasha Adams filed for divorce from Elmer Stewart Rhodes, accusing him of emotional and physical abuse.

November 7, 2020: Rhodes Joined a Roger Stone Text Chat Group

On November 7, 2020, after the election had been called for Biden, Stewart Rhodes joined a Roger Stone text chat group, asking: "What's the plan?"

December 12, 2020: Rhodes Spoke at a Pro-Trump Rally

On December 12, 2020, Stewart Rhodes spoke at a pro-Trump rally in Washington, D.C., and called on Trump to invoke the Insurrection Act of 1807.

January 6, 2021: Rhodes Directed Oath Keepers During Capitol Attack

On January 6, 2021, Elmer Stewart Rhodes entered "restricted Capitol grounds", where he directed Oath Keepers members via telephone and text, telling them which positions to take around the building.

January 13, 2022: Rhodes Arrested and Charged with Seditious Conspiracy

On January 13, 2022, Elmer Stewart Rhodes was arrested and charged with seditious conspiracy along with other members of the Oath Keepers.

November 2022: Rhodes Convicted of Seditious Conspiracy

In November 2022, Elmer Stewart Rhodes III was convicted of seditious conspiracy and evidence tampering related to his participation in the January 6 United States Capitol attack.

November 29, 2022: Rhodes Convicted of Seditious Conspiracy

On November 29, 2022, after a nine-week trial, Elmer Stewart Rhodes was convicted of seditious conspiracy and evidence tampering regarding the January 6, 2021, United States Capitol attack.

May 23, 2023: Rhodes Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison

On May 23, 2023, Elmer Stewart Rhodes III was sentenced to 18 years in prison for seditious conspiracy and evidence tampering.

May 25, 2023: Rhodes Received 18-Year Sentence

On May 25, 2023, Elmer Stewart Rhodes received an 18-year sentence for seditious conspiracy related to the January 6 Capitol attack.

July 12, 2023: Department of Justice Filed Notice to Appeal Rhodes' Sentence

On July 12, 2023, the Department of Justice filed a notice of its intention to appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit for longer terms for Rhodes and his co-defendants.

January 24, 2025: Rhodes Restricted from Entering D.C.

On January 24, 2025 Rhodes and seven other Oath Keepers were forbidden by the D.C. District Court from entering Washington D.C or the grounds of the Capitol without the permission of the court.