Andrew Taake, a Capitol riot convict pardoned by President Trump, finds himself back behind bars. The Harris County District Attorney’s office announced his arrest for a 2016 charge of online solicitation of a minor. This case exposes the complexities of pardons and their impact on unresolved criminal charges.
Taake’s Pardon and Subsequent Arrest
Andrew Taake was serving a 74-month sentence for assaulting law enforcement officers during the January 6th Capitol riots. He received an early release last month as part of Trump’s mass pardon for Capitol riot participants.
The Harris County District Attorney’s Fugitive Apprehension Section, working with multiple law enforcement agencies, apprehended Taake on February 15th. The arrest was made in Leon County after a surveillance operation.
Another 1/6 pardoned crook caught Soliciting a minor.
It’s funny how he talks about the immigrants who are all criminals, but these guys are ok.
Why aren’t you press asking press Secretary empty headed Barbie about these criminals at the press conferences?! pic.twitter.com/QgpdR1pGB0
— Emmyjo (@Road_trippn) February 7, 2025
Unresolved Criminal Charges
Taake’s 2016 case for online solicitation of a minor was paused due to his arrest for the Capitol riots. The recent arrest highlights the ongoing nature of this charge, despite his pardon for the January 6th involvement.
“At 11:30 this morning, the Harris County District Attorney’s Fugitive Apprehension Section, in close coordination with multiple law enforcement agencies, took Andrew Taake into custody,” the Harris County District Attorney announced in a statement. “Taake was wanted in Harris County for online solicitation of a minor, charged in May 2016.”
Taake had been a fugitive for several weeks before his arrest. His bond in Harris County has been revoked, and he will be transferred to the Harris County Jail.
Pardon Complications
The District Attorney’s office had previously requested that federal authorities hold Taake due to his pending warrant in Harris County. This request was filed in 2022, before his release following Trump’s pardon.
“Before Andrew Taake’s release from custody in Florence, Colorado on January 20, a member of our HCSO Fugitive Warrants Division requested that federal authorities hold him, due to his pending warrant in Harris County,” the District Attorney’s office said last month, before Taake’s arrest.
Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare expressed gratitude for the coordinated efforts of law enforcement agencies in apprehending Taake. The case underscores the challenges in managing justice when pardoned individuals face unresolved criminal charges.
Sources:
J6 Convict Pardoned By Trump Arrested for ‘Solicitation of a Minor’
Convicted Jan. 6 Capitol rioter from Houston back in custody in Texas
