Joe Oltmann, the Douglas County podcast host and gun store owner whose claims of an “antifa conference call” involving former Dominion Voting Systems executive Eric Coomer have led to multiple defamation lawsuits, was found to be in contempt by a U.S. District Judge today. Oltmann was found in civil contempt, and ordered to pay Coomer $1,000 a day until he complies with the court’s order to reveal the source of his “antifa conference call.”
Today’s ruling comes after Oltmann abruptly fled a June 6 deposition, part of Coomer’s lawsuit against ReAwaken America Tour founder Clay Clark, instead of answer questions about his source. U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathryn Starnella noted that Oltmann had previously been sanctioned for noncompliance during depositions. “Despite Denver District Court sanctions of more than $50,000, Mr. Oltmann appears to have knowingly and intentionally flouted this Court’s Orders and the rule of law,” she wrote. “As demonstrated by his appearance on the CONSERVATIVE DAILY podcast, Mr. Oltmann has an apparent disdain for a system he asserts has been “weaponize[d]” against him. Moreover, Mr. Oltmann appears to insinuate that he can ward off the legal system by threatening violence. Such conduct undermines the integrity and truth-seeking aspects of discovery, frustrates justice, and should not be condoned.”
In today’s ruling, Judge William Martinez also noted Oltmann’s past conduct. “Oltmann has repeatedly flouted orders — not only in this case, but in others as well — requiring him to answer questions pertaining to who gave him access to the alleged “Antifa call” and Coomer’s private Facebook account. What’s more, he has boasted about it,” he wrote. “Under these circumstances, the Court is of the view that a daily fine in the amount of $300 will not likely get Oltmann’s full and complete attention. The Court finds instead that a $1,000 daily fine is far more likely — and no greater than necessary, at least for now — to compel compliance with Judge Starnella’s rulings and orders.”
Oltmann has already paid $53,671.14 in sanctions for missing depositions to attend MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell’s 2022 Cyber Symposium. According to the ruling, Oltmann must pay $1,000 from the date of service of the order until he “fully and in good faith complies with Judge Starnella’s rulings and orders.”
