A federal judge rejected an appeal from prosecutors to keep Rachel Powell, a former Butler County woman, in jail while she awaits trial for her alleged role in the Capitol riots.

This is a breaking news report — subscribe online or in print to read the full article.A federal judge in Washington D.C. rejected an appeal Thursday from prosecutors to keep a former Butler County woman in jail while she awaits charges related to her alleged role in the U.S. Capitol riot.Rachel Marie Powell, 40, of Sandy Lake, Mercer County, was arrested by the FBI on Feb. 4 after authorities determined that she participated in the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol. More more than a 100 law enforcement members were injured while hundreds of rioters broke into the government building, according to reports.Powell was placed in Butler County Prison, but on Tuesday U.S. District Court Magisterial Judge for the Western District of Pennsylvania Lisa Pupo Lenihan ordered that Powell be released on house arrest with the condition, among others, that she stay in her western Pennsylvania home. Prosecutors appealed that order and on Thursday a second judge, Beryl A. Howell, reaffirmed the order after a nearly two hour hearing. Howell is a chief judge with the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.Powell faces charges of obstruction, depredation of government property, entering a restricted building or grounds with a dangerous weapon, entering a restricted building or grounds, and violent entry or disorderly conduct.

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