A Florida man pardoned by President Trump for his January 6 Capitol participation has been sentenced to life in prison for molesting children and attempting to bribe his victims with promises of money from anticipated federal restitution payments.

Federal Pardon Cannot Shield State-Level Crimes

Andrew Paul Johnson entered the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, through a broken window while carrying a bullhorn and cursing at police officers. He later described himself on social media as an “American Terrorist” and “Proud J6er.” In 2024, Johnson pleaded guilty to four federal misdemeanors including entering the Capitol, parading, and disorderly conduct. Judge James Boasberg sentenced him to one year in prison, considering his extensive prior criminal history involving drugs, DUI, and resisting arrest. President Trump subsequently pardoned Johnson alongside approximately 1,500 other January 6 defendants following his 2024 re-election.

Grooming and Bribery Pattern Uncovered

Prosecutors from the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s office revealed Johnson began sexually abusing children in April 2024, shortly after his federal guilty plea. The abuse continued for months and included physical molestation and exposure. Investigators from the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, who launched their probe in July 2025, discovered Johnson used Discord messaging to groom victims. He urged them to switch communication apps and delete evidence. Critically, Johnson attempted to bribe at least one victim by promising payment from restitution funds that some advocates were pushing the Trump administration to provide to pardoned Jan. 6 participants.

Life Sentence Delivered Despite Federal Clemency

A jury convicted Johnson in February 2026 on five charges including lewd and lascivious molestation of children under 12 and transmission of harmful material. He was acquitted on one count of sending sexual material to a minor. Judge Stephen Toner of Hernando County handed down a life sentence in early March 2026 on two molestation counts. The state-level conviction demonstrates that presidential pardons hold no power over crimes prosecuted under state jurisdiction. Johnson remains incarcerated serving his life term, and neither his attorney nor the White House has commented on the case or the restitution claims he used to manipulate victims.

Troubling Recidivism Pattern Among Pardoned Rioters

Johnson’s case is not isolated among the roughly 1,500 individuals who received clemency for January 6-related offenses. Other pardoned participants have faced new criminal charges including possession of child sexual abuse material, breaking and entering, and violent threats against elected officials. Christopher Moynihan, another pardoned Jan. 6 defendant, pleaded guilty in February 2026 to harassing and threatening Representative Hakeem Jeffries. These cases raise serious questions about vetting processes and the wisdom of blanket pardons for individuals with criminal histories. The White House has not responded to inquiries about whether the administration plans to provide restitution to pardoned Jan. 6 participants, the very promise Johnson weaponized against vulnerable children.

NEW: J6er who was pardoned by President Trump, seen crying in court as he is sentenced to life in prison for m*lesting two children.

45-year-old Andrew Paul Johnson was convicted for m*lesting a child under 12 and one under 16.

Johnson reportedly told one of the victims that he… pic.twitter.com/7rWALMsDcF

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) March 6, 2026

State Justice System Protects Victims

The conviction and life sentence underscore the crucial role state prosecutors play in protecting communities when federal clemency releases dangerous offenders. Hernando County families and child protection advocates can take some measure of relief knowing Johnson will spend the rest of his life behind bars. The case serves as a stark reminder that pardons do not erase criminal character or prevent future offenses. State Attorney Bill Gladson and prosecutor William Forgie emphasized the multi-month pattern of abuse and the calculated nature of Johnson’s bribery attempt. Their successful prosecution ensures this predator cannot harm additional children regardless of his federal pardon status.

Sources:

Pardoned Jan. 6 rioter convicted of child sex abuse – OPB

Capitol rioter Trump pardoned handed life sentence for molesting children – The Independent

Andrew Paul Johnson pardoned rioter Florida – Tampa Bay Times