URGENT UPDATE: Pardoned January 6 rioter Andrew Johnson is set to stand trial on serious child molestation charges on February 9, 2025. This shocking development follows his arrest in July 2025, just months after President Donald Trump pardoned him and over 1,500 others connected to the Capitol riots.
Johnson, 44, is accused of molesting a victim for several months in Hernando County, Florida. Court documents reveal disturbing details, including allegations that Johnson attempted to silence the victim by offering financial incentives. According to a police affidavit, Johnson claimed he received a $10 million award for being a “Jan 6er” and suggested that he would include the victim in his will to secure their future.
Authorities report that Johnson’s pattern of exploitation began in 2024, following his earlier conviction related to the January 6 Capitol riot. During that incident, he was found guilty of multiple federal charges, including breaking into a U.S. Senate meeting room and confronting police. A judge sentenced Johnson to one year in prison, but he was pardoned by Trump before completing his term.
Currently held in custody, Johnson remains not guilty of the new charges. A spokesperson for the Hernando County state prosecutor emphasized the importance of addressing crimes against minors, stating, “Defendants who commit these crimes deserve to be punished with the full weight of the criminal justice system.” If released before trial, Johnson will be subject to GPS monitoring and required to attend all court dates.
This case is part of a troubling trend, as Johnson is the latest pardoned January 6 defendant to face new legal troubles. For example, Zachary Alam, another convicted rioter, was arrested in May 2025 for breaking and entering and is awaiting sentencing. Similarly, Christopher Moynihan was recently arrested for allegedly threatening a member of Congress, and John Banuelos faces charges related to a kidnapping case after his pardon.
As Johnson’s trial approaches, the national conversation continues about the implications of pardons and the ongoing legal battles faced by many involved in the January 6 events. Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story unfolds.
