Jan. 6 Rioter Pardoned by Trump Gets Life Sentence for Child Molestation

Andrew Paul Johnson was convicted of storming the Capitol but later charged with sexually abusing two children in Florida.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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A Florida handyman who was sentenced to life in prison for molesting two children had previously been convicted of storming the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, but was pardoned by former President Donald Trump. Andrew Paul Johnson, 45, was found guilty of two counts of lewd or lascivious molestation of a child and one count of electronically transmitting material harmful to a minor.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex legal and ethical issues surrounding the pardons issued by former President Trump for participants in the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol. It also raises concerns about the potential for repeat offenses by individuals who were granted clemency.

The details

Johnson was carrying a bullhorn as he marched to the Capitol after attending Trump's 'Stop the Steal' rally near the White House. He entered the building through an office window that other rioters had smashed, and later cursed and yelled at police officers after they used tear gas to disperse the mob of Trump supporters. Investigators later found sexually explicit messages that Johnson exchanged with one of his child victims on the Discord messaging app, in which he attempted to have the victim download another application for a more private conversation and encouraged the victim to delete their messages afterwards.

  • In July 2025, sheriff's deputies began investigating the child molestation allegations against Johnson.
  • In August 2024, Chief U.S. District Court Judge James Boasberg in Washington sentenced Johnson to one year behind bars after he pleaded guilty to four misdemeanor charges stemming from the January 6th riot.
  • On March 5, 2026, Johnson was sentenced to life in prison for molesting two children.

The players

Andrew Paul Johnson

A 45-year-old Florida handyman who was convicted of storming the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, but was later pardoned by former President Donald Trump. He was subsequently sentenced to life in prison for molesting two children.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who issued a sweeping pardon for all 1,500-plus people charged in the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol.

James Boasberg

The Chief U.S. District Court Judge in Washington who sentenced Johnson to one year behind bars after he pleaded guilty to four misdemeanor charges stemming from the January 6th riot.

Bill Gladson

The Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney whose office prosecuted Johnson for the child molestation charges.

Stephen Toner

The Hernando County, Florida Circuit Judge who sentenced Johnson to life in prison for the child molestation charges.

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What they’re saying

“In the messages, Johnson attempted to have the victim download another application for a more private conversation and encouraged the victim to delete their messages afterwards.”

— Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney (News Release)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Andrew Paul Johnson to appeal his life sentence.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex legal and ethical issues surrounding the pardons issued by former President Trump for participants in the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol, as well as the potential for repeat offenses by individuals who were granted clemency. It also raises concerns about the need for stronger safeguards to prevent convicted criminals from committing further crimes, especially those involving the abuse of children.