Former state Rep. Mike Nearman appears set for guilty plea in Capitol incursion

Former state Rep. Mike Nearman appears set to plead guilty to charges that he abused his duties as an elected official by opening the Oregon Capitol to far-right demonstrators last year.

After insisting in May that he would take his case to a jury, court records show Nearman’s case is now set for a plea/sentencing hearing next week. It’s not clear whether Nearman has worked out a deal with Marion County prosecutors or will plead to both of the misdemeanor charges against him, first-degree official misconduct and second-degree criminal trespass.

Together, the two crimes are punishable by more than a year in jail and $7,500, though it is unlikely Nearman would receive those maximums. Neither Nearman nor his attorney immediately returned inquiries about next week’s hearing.

Marion County District Attorney Paige Clarkson declined to comment Tuesday, saying she could not discuss any negotiations surrounding a plea.

A four-term Republican from Polk County, Nearman became the first lawmaker in Oregon history to be expelled from the Legislature in June, after evidence emerged he’d plotted with supporters to open the Capitol to demonstrators as lawmakers met in special session Dec. 21.

After Nearman allowed armed demonstrators inside that morning, video shows them scuffling with police, and at least one person using mace on officers. Even after the crowd was forced out of the Capitol, some members vandalized the building and assaulted journalists.