Capitol rioter pardoned by Trump convicted of child sex abuse charges.
A Florida man, previously pardoned by former President Donald Trump for his involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots, has been convicted of serious sexual offenses involving minors. Andrew Paul Johnson, a 45-year-old handyman, was found guilty on five counts, including the molestation of two children: one under the age of 12 and another under 16. The conviction was announced by Hernando County prosecutors on Wednesday.
The jury’s decision comes after Johnson’s arrest in August 2025, prompted by investigations into allegations that he had inappropriately touched two minors. One of the victims testified that the abuse commenced in 2024 when they were just 11 years old, indicating a pattern of predatory behavior. Investigators found a cellphone that Johnson had given to this victim, which was used for secret communication about the abuse.
Further evidence presented during the trial included sexually explicit messages located on one victim’s computer. Prosecutors asserted that Johnson had actively encouraged the child to conceal this inappropriate content. During interviews with law enforcement and child advocacy experts, the first victim provided detailed accounts of the incidents, recalling specific locations where the abuses transpired. The second victim corroborated these statements and disclosed their own experiences of being inappropriately touched.
In a troubling twist, Johnson was also accused of attempting to bribe at least one victim by promising monetary compensation in exchange for silence about the abuse. He reportedly mentioned expecting financial recompense from the Trump administration, citing his participation in the January 6 riot as a basis for such a payout.
In connection with the Capitol insurrection, Johnson had entered the building through a window that was breached by other rioters. Images from that day depicted him marching on Capitol Hill while carrying a bullhorn. Following the riots, Trump referred to the events of January 6 as a “day of love” and expressed admiration for those involved, labeling them as “great patriots” who had been treated unfairly.
Johnson now faces a minimum sentence of 25 years but could potentially spend the rest of his life in prison. The developments in this case highlight ongoing concerns regarding the repercussions of the January 6 Capitol attack and its aftermath, particularly regarding individuals who have since been convicted of serious criminal behavior. Media News Source continues to follow this story as further details emerge regarding the sentencing and its broader implications.
