Jan 6 Rioter Pardoned by Trump Arrested on Child Sex Charge
February 7, 2025
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A January 6 rioter who was pardoned by the president has been arrested on child sex charges.
The presidential pardon given to Andrew Taake for assaulting a police officer with a deadly weapon on January 6 didn’t cover his Texan charges of online solicitation of a minor, and after being released from federal prison last month he went on the run from state police.
He has now been re-arrested by the Harris County District Attorney’s (HCDA) Fugitive Apprehension Section.
Taake is the second pardoned January 6 rioter to be arrested on child sex charges. David Daniel, who was also pardoned on his law enforcement assault charges, was arrested in North Carolina over pending child pornography and child sexual assault charges.
Why It Matters
Taake is the fifth January 6 rioter to be re-apprehended by police after his pardon from the president.
Trump’s decision to release all of the January 6 rioters has been criticized by high profile Republicans, including Lindsey Graham and Mitch McConnell, who have expressed concern about releasing people who committed acts of violence against the police.
Andrew Taake at the Capitol on January 6. Andrew Taake at the Capitol on January 6. FBI
What to Know
Taake was charged with online solicitation of a minor following a 2016 sting operation by the Internet Crimes against Children Task Force in the Houston area.
Texas’ Penal Code states that “online solicitation of a minor” refers to someone having sexual contact with or sharing sexually explicit information with someone who is, or who they believe to be, under the age of 17.
While awaiting trial on the sex crime charges, Taake was apprehended for “resisting, or impeding certain officers using a dangerous weapon,” including spraying the police with bear spray and “brandishing a whip-like weapon,” on January 6. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to six years in a Colorado federal prison.
Following his pardon, Taake was released from federal prison, despite a specific request from the HCDA to hold Taake there until the Texas police could pick him up for his pending state charges, making it much more difficult for the HCDA to re-apprehend him.
He was arrested on February 6 in Leon County, Texas, following a surveillance operation conducted by the HCDA Fugitive Apprehension Section, and other law enforcement agencies, per a statement sent to Newsweek by the HCDA.
Taake is currently being held in Leon County, and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office is working to transfer him to the Harris County Jail. Authorities have revoked his bond in Harris County.
What People Are Saying
Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare said in a statement to Newsweek: “We would like to thank the coordinated efforts of our office’s Fugitive Apprehension Section, Leon County Sheriff’s Office, and Texas Department of Public Safety for their diligence in getting this suspected child predator back into custody.”
What Happens Next
If Taake is found guilty of online solicitation of a minor in Texas, he could face between two and 10 years in prison, and a potential fine of up to $10,000. He will also be registered as a sex offender once leaving prison.
If the child was under 14 at the time of the crime, then Taake could face two to 20 years in prison, as well as the same $10,000 and being registered as a sex offender.
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