- A Capitol rioter announced that he is writing a book while serving out his three-month sentence.
- Derrick Evans, a former West Virginia state legislator, pleaded guilty to Jan. 6 charges earlier this year.
- Since his sentencing, Evans has repeatedly downplayed his role in the insurrection.
A former West Virginia state legislator who just weeks ago apologized to a judge for his role in the January 6 Capitol riot, is now writing a book from jail in hopes of bringing about "true justice."
Derrick Evans was a newly-elected member of West Virginia's house of delegates when he traveled to Washington, DC and participated in the siege on January 6, 2021. Sworn in just weeks before the attack, Evans initially refused to step down from his government role, despite calls from his colleagues.
He ultimately resigned on January 9, 2021, saying in a formal letter that he took full responsibility for his actions and "deeply regretted" any pain or embarrassment he caused his fellow West Virginians.
Evans was sentenced to three months in prison this past June after pleading guilty to one felony count of civil disorder. During his sentencing, Evans apologized for his role in the riot, saying he had let down his family and regretted his actions.
But in a Monday statement announcing his forthcoming book, Evans said his name had "been slandered in any which sort of way you can think of" since the insurrection more than a year and a half ago.
"I can state with full confidence that I am merely one of many people affected by the extreme polarization of our country's politics," he said.
Following Evans' sentencing, prosecutors filed an official note with the court castigating the former lawmaker for repeatedly downplaying his role in the attack, including during a radio interview that aired the day after his sentence was handed down, during which Evans said he would never have "regrets" about "standing up to tyranny."
An attorney for Evans did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.
Evans has struck a book deal with Defiance Press, according to a Monday press release. A representative for the publisher did not immediately respond to Insider's questions about the specifics of Evans' deal.
"I firmly believe that partnering with Defiance Press will allow me to share my story with the world, express my frustration with the current state of our country, and bring about true justice for January 6th all in hopes to build a better future for the next generation," Evans said.
The publisher's Monday statement said Evans reported to federal prison on July 25th and will finish writing his manuscript while behind bars for the next three months.
The publisher also boasted previous titles from Sheriff Joe Arpaio and Daniel Miller, a leading advocate for Texas secession.