Woman investigated over theft of Pelosi's laptop during Capitol riot released from jail

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The woman accused by stealing Nancy Pelosi's laptop during the Capitol riot and allegedly planning to sell it to Russia was ordered released from jail under supervision on Thursday. The attorney for Riley Williams told the court that some of the accusations against her client are overstated and, the ex-boyfriend who reported Williams to the FBI has been abusive.

Williams surrendered to authorities in Pennsylvania on Monday, after her ex called the FBI multiple times to report having seen her in videos inside the Capitol, according to court documents.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Martin Carlson told Williams that he was releasing her because she had no prior criminal record but he warned her and her mother that she could be criminally charged if she does not abide by the supervision requirements. Williams supervised release conditions include restricted travel for all purposes but the criminal proceeding, home confinement with an ankle monitor, and Williams mother serving as a third-party custodian.

According to the Department of Justice, she is facing charges of Aid Abet Others to Embezzle, Steal, Purloin, Obstruct, Influence or Impede any Official Proceeding, Knowingly Entering or Remaining in any Restricted Building or Grounds Without Lawful Authority and Violent Entry and Disorderly Conduct on Capitol Groundsl.

None of the charges are related to the allegation that she planned to sell the laptop to Russia, a claim which court documents say remains under investigation.

The attorney also said Williams was never hiding from authorities, and was instead fleeing from the abusive boyfriend who reported her to the FBI. She said the former boyfriend threatened Ms. Williams in a number of ways, but did not elaborate.

Williams will appear in court for a preliminary hearing on January 25