Former Jan. 6 Rioter Faces Trial on Child Molestation Charges
A disturbing case has come to light involving Andrew Johnson, a 44-year-old man who was previously pardoned for his role in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Johnson is now scheduled to stand trial on child molestation charges, following his arrest in July 2025. The allegations against him are severe, with court filings indicating that he molested a victim over several months in Hernando County, Florida.
According to a police affidavit, Johnson allegedly attempted to silence the victim by offering a payout, claiming he had been awarded $10 million as a result of being a “Jan 6er.” The affidavit also states that Johnson told the victim he would include them in his will, leaving them any remaining balance. These claims are particularly troubling, given Johnson’s history of violent behavior during the Capitol riot, where he pleaded guilty to four federal charges and was sentenced to a year in prison.
Background and Previous Convictions
Johnson’s past convictions are well-documented. In 2024, he was sentenced to a year in prison for his role in the Capitol riot, where he was accused of breaking into a private U.S. Senate meeting room and menacing police with vulgarities. Photos obtained by the government appear to show Johnson climbing through a broken window in the U.S. Capitol. However, his conviction and prison term were wiped away when he was pardoned by President Trump in 2024.
Despite his pardon, Johnson’s troubles with the law have continued. In July 2025, he was arrested and charged with child molestation, with police alleging that he was “transient” and potentially sleeping in a van at the time of his arrest. Johnson has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is being held in custody ahead of his trial, scheduled for February 9.
Consequences and Reactions
The Florida state prosecutor in Hernando County has emphasized the importance of prosecuting cases involving the exploitation and molestation of minors, stating that “defendants who commit these crimes deserve to be punished with the full weight of the criminal justice system.” If Johnson is released before trial, he will be subject to GPS monitoring and must appear in person for all court dates.
Johnson’s case is not an isolated incident. Several other pardoned Jan. 6 riot defendants have faced new post-pardon criminal charges, including Zachary Alam, Christopher Moynihan, and John Banuelos. These cases raise concerns about the potential consequences of pardoning individuals with a history of violent or criminal behavior.
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