Trump-Pardoned Rioter Now Faces Sex Charge

A man from Houston, who was recently pardoned by President Donald Trump for his involvement in the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection, has been arrested again. Andrew Taake, 36, was arrested Feb. 6, 2025, after being on the run for more than two weeks, according to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. Taake was previously charged with online solicitation of a minor for an incident in 2016, in which he allegedly sent sexually explicit messages to an undercover officer pretending to be a 15-year-old girl.

Jan. 6 Involvement

Taake was one of about 1,600 people who were charged for their involvement in the U.S. Capitol riot. The riot led to five deaths, 140 police officers being injured, at least $2.8 million in damage, and around 1,575 federal criminal cases.

In his Jan. 6 case, Taake was sentenced to more than six years in prison after admitting to a felony charge of assaulting, resisting or blocking officers with a dangerous weapon. Federal prosecutors say Taake used bear spray on Capitol Police officers multiple times and also struck one officer with a metal whip.

Taake was caught after bragging about the incident to a woman he met on an online dating app. Court records show that he sent her a selfie of himself, claiming it was taken “about 30 minutes” after the incident, according to The Texas Tribune. The woman later reported him to the authorities.

Presidential Pardon

In June 2024, Taake was sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty in 2023. However, he was released from a federal prison in Colorado after President Trump granted a pardon on Jan. 20, 2025 - the first day of his second term - to those charged for taking part in the riot.

Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare criticized Taake’s release, stating his office had sent a copy of Taake’s outstanding warrant in the 2016 solicitation case to the Federal Bureau of Prisons five days before Taake was pardoned. After being on the run for about two weeks, Taake was located and arrested on Feb. 6, 2025, at a home in Leon County, Texas, according to the Harris County DA.

2021 storming of the United States Capitol. Photo by Tyler Merbler under CC BY 2.0.

What Happens Next?

Prosecutors requested Taake’s bond be set at $1 million. However, On Feb. 17, 2025, Judge Leslie Brock Yates denied this request and set his bond at $25,000 bond. Taake posted the bond and is currently out on bail.

As the case moves forward, Taake is scheduled to appear again in court on April 2, 2025. He faces serious charges related to the outstanding warrant for online solicitation. Authorities are working together to ensure he faces the full consequences of his actions.

References: Another Jan. 6 Rioter Pardoned by Trump is Arrested on an Outstanding Charge | Houston Man Pardoned by Trump Arrested on Child Sex Charge | Man Pardoned By Trump Arrested in Texas on Charge of Online Solicitation of a Minor | $25,000 bond set for Houston man arrested on online solicitation charge following Jan. 6 pardon