Pardoned Jan. 6 Riot Participant Andrew Johnson Faces Child Molestation Trial
Andrew Johnson, a participant in the January 6 Capitol riot who was previously pardoned, is facing serious legal troubles once again. He has been scheduled for trial in February 2025 on child molestation charges following his arrest in July 2024. This comes almost six months after he, along with over 1,500 others involved in the riot, received a pardon from former President Donald Trump.
Allegations Against Johnson
Johnson stands accused of molesting a victim in Hernando County, Florida, over an extended period. The alleged crimes occurred beginning in early 2024. He is currently in custody awaiting trial, set for February 9, 2025.
Attempt to Silence Victim
In court filings, it is alleged that Johnson attempted to coerce the victim into silence by offering financial incentives. A police affidavit reported that he claimed he had been “pardoned for storming the Capitol” and stood to receive $10 million as a result of his actions on January 6, 2021. Furthermore, Johnson purportedly suggested that he would include the victim in his will to secure financial support.
Previous Convictions and Pardon
- Johnson, aged 44, pleaded guilty to four federal charges related to his involvement in the Capitol riot.
- In August 2024, he received a one-year prison sentence.
- His sentence was overturned following his pardon in early 2025.
During the riot, Johnson was implicated in breaking into a U.S. Senate meeting room and verbally confronting law enforcement. The government possesses photographic evidence showcasing him climbing through a broken Capitol window on that fateful day.
Current Circumstances
As of July 2025, Johnson was reported to be “transient.” Authorities indicated he may have been living in a van at that time. He has pleaded not guilty to the recent charges of molestation.
Responses from Authorities
A spokesperson from the Hernando County state prosecutor’s office emphasized the gravity of crimes involving minors. They stated, “Defendants who commit these crimes deserve to be punished with the full weight of the criminal justice system.”
If Johnson is released before his trial, he will be subjected to GPS monitoring and must attend all court appearances in person.
More Post-Pardon Legal Issues
Johnson isn’t the only individual pardoned after the January 6 riot to face new criminal charges. Several others have encountered legal issues post-pardon:
- Zachary Alam, convicted of crimes related to the Capitol riot, was arrested for breaking and entering in May 2025.
- Christopher Moynihan was arrested for allegedly threatening a political figure, for which he has also pleaded not guilty.
- John Banuelos, who was pardoned for a related incident, is in custody awaiting a hearing on a kidnapping charge linked to a 2018 case.
The upcoming trial of Andrew Johnson on child molestation charges highlights ongoing legal challenges faced by participants of the January 6 riot. As these cases unfold, the legal repercussions of past actions continue to reverberate in the lives of those involved.
