UPDATE: Pardoned Jan. 6 rioter Andrew Johnson is set to stand trial for child molestation charges on February 9, 2025. This urgent development comes just months after Johnson’s arrest in July 2025, following his controversial pardon from Donald Trump along with over 1,500 others involved in the Capitol riot.
Johnson, aged 44, is accused of molesting a victim in Hernando County, Florida, over several months, beginning in 2024. Authorities report that he allegedly attempted to silence his victim by offering a payout, claiming he had been “pardoned for storming the Capitol” and boasting about receiving $10 million as a result. The police affidavit details Johnson’s assertion that he would include the victim in his will for any remaining funds.
Currently held in custody, Johnson’s trial is anticipated to draw significant attention, especially given his prior involvement in the January 6 insurrection. After pleading guilty to four federal charges related to the Capitol riot, he was sentenced to one year in prison. However, Trump’s pardon wiped away his convictions before he completed his sentence.
Johnson’s alleged crimes have raised alarms, with a spokesperson from the Hernando County state prosecutor’s office asserting,
“Any case that involves the exploitation and molestation of minors is of the utmost importance. Defendants who commit these crimes deserve to be punished with the full weight of the criminal justice system.”
If released before trial, Johnson is expected to face strict conditions, including GPS monitoring and mandatory court appearances. His attorney has yet to respond to requests for comment, leaving many questions unanswered as the trial date approaches.
Johnson’s case is not an isolated incident. He is among several pardoned Jan. 6 defendants facing new legal troubles. For instance, Zachary Alam, convicted for his role in the Capitol riot, was arrested in May for breaking and entering in Virginia. Similarly, Christopher Moynihan, another rioter, was detained last month for allegedly threatening a political leader.
The ongoing legal battles of these individuals highlight the repercussions of the January 6 events and the continuing impact on victims and the community. The upcoming trial of Johnson on February 9 will be closely monitored, as it could set a precedent for how the justice system addresses crimes committed by those previously pardoned.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
