Applying the law as written is not turning anything into knots.
N.Y. Penal Code § 175.10, (listed in the indictment) is usually prosecuted in the 2nd degree, but when commission of this crime is done with an intent to commit another crime or to aid or conceal the commission thereof (17.152) it becomes a first-degree felony.
I find it interesting that fox, hannity, levin etc. failed to share this information with you MAGA cult members. I'm sure it's easier to just keep you uninformed and angry about non-existent conspiracy theories.