Pardoned Capitol Rioter Convicted of Child Molestation in Florida: Andrew Paul Johnson's Troubling Legal History
A Florida man who was pardoned by former President Trump for his involvement in the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, has been convicted of child molestation and indecent exposure to children in Florida. Andrew Paul Johnson, the pardoned rioter, was found guilty of multiple charges, including molesting a child under 12 and another under 16, as well as lewd and lascivious exhibition. He faces a potential life sentence when he is sentenced in March.
According to prosecutors, Johnson attempted to bribe one of his victims by promising money he claimed he would receive as part of restitution for Jan. 6 defendants. The police report described a pattern of abuse that occurred over several months, including physical sexual abuse and exposing his genitalia to children. One victim was only 11 years old at the time of the abuse.
In 2024, Johnson pleaded guilty to nonviolent charges related to his participation in the Capitol riot, where he entered the building through a broken window and cursed at police officers. He was sentenced to one year in prison due to his criminal history, which included drug possession, DUI, and resisting arrest. Trump pardoned Johnson and other Jan. 6 defendants shortly after his sentencing.
Several former Jan. 6 defendants who received pardons from Trump have faced legal issues after their pardons, including possession of child sexual abuse material and breaking and entering. Christopher Moynihan, another former defendant, recently pleaded guilty to a harassment charge after threatening to kill a U.S. House Representative. The White House has not commented on these cases or whether compensation will be provided to those charged in the Capitol attack.