6 jan. wanted

Pardoned Jan. 6 Rioter Wanted for 2016 Minor Solicitation

A Texas man who was recently pardoned by President Donald Trump for his involvement in the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol is now wanted on an outstanding 2016 charge for soliciting a minor online. Prosecutors have confirmed that authorities are actively seeking to arrest him.

Andrew Taake’s Controversial Pardon and Past Allegations

Andrew Taake, 36, had been accused of attacking police officers with bear spray and a metal whip during the violent Capitol riot. His actions on that day led to serious federal charges, but he was among nearly 1,600 individuals pardoned by Trump in a sweeping amnesty for those involved in the attack.

Despite his release from a federal prison in Colorado on 20th January, Texas authorities had already requested that he be detained due to an outstanding warrant in Harris County. The charge stems from allegations that Taake had solicited sexual activity with a 17-year-old via a messaging app back in 2016.

Authorities Scramble to Re-Arrest Taake

The Harris County District Attorney’s Office has expressed concerns over the complexities involved in re-arresting individuals who were released despite pending state warrants.

“Re-arresting individuals such as Taake, who were released despite having pending state warrants, poses a significant challenge in terms of resources,” the office stated. “Rest assured, we are actively working to locate and apprehend Taake.”

Efforts to contact Taake’s attorney, Brett Podolsky, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons for comments have so far been unsuccessful.

Other Jan. 6 Participants Face Fresh Legal Troubles

The release of several individuals tied to the Capitol riot has led to a wave of new criminal activity and arrests. Below are some of the most notable cases of pardoned individuals facing fresh charges.

Indiana: Fatal Shooting of a Pardoned Man

In Indiana, Matthew Huttle, 42, was fatally shot by a police officer during a traffic stop just days after his charges related to the Capitol riot were dismissed. According to state police reports, Huttle was involved in an altercation with an officer, which resulted in the shooting. Authorities have not disclosed further details or the reason behind the traffic stop.

Huttle had originally been charged with a misdemeanour offence for unlawfully entering the Capitol on January 6. He was sentenced to six months in custody in 2023 after he travelled with his uncle from Indiana to Washington, D.C., and recorded the attack from inside the Capitol for approximately 16 minutes.

Florida: Daniel Ball Arrested Again on Federal Gun Charges

Another January 6 participant, Daniel Ball from Florida, has found himself back in legal trouble. Shortly after being released on felony charges related to throwing an explosive device at officers during the Capitol riot, he was arrested again in Washington, D.C., on federal gun charges.

Ball was charged with carrying a firearm as a convicted felon, a case that emerged from an investigation into his involvement in the January 6 riot. Authorities discovered his possession of firearms during a search of his home. His criminal history includes a 2017 conviction for domestic violence by strangulation and a 2022 conviction for battery on a law enforcement officer.

Kentucky: Daniel Wilson Faces Firearms Offences

Daniel Wilson, another individual who received a presidential pardon, is now facing legal trouble once more. Federal authorities in Kentucky are seeking to return him to prison on firearms-related charges. Investigators uncovered illegal firearms in Wilson’s possession during a search of his home following the Capitol riot. His latest legal battle underscores concerns that some individuals granted clemency may continue to engage in criminal behaviour.

Implications of Trump’s Mass Pardons

The pardons issued by Trump in relation to the January 6th attack have sparked significant controversy. Critics argue that they have emboldened individuals with violent tendencies and criminal pasts, while supporters insist they were necessary to correct perceived injustices against those who participated in the riot.

Law enforcement agencies across the country are now dealing with the fallout, as multiple former January 6 defendants are encountering fresh legal troubles.

What’s Next for Andrew Taake?

For now, the Harris County District Attorney’s Office remains determined to apprehend Andrew Taake. With a history of violent offences and an outstanding charge of soliciting a minor, his case serves as yet another example of the potential risks associated with mass pardons.

The coming weeks will reveal whether authorities can successfully locate and arrest Taake, ensuring he faces justice for his prior alleged crimes. Meanwhile, questions continue to mount over the long-term consequences of granting clemency to individuals with extensive criminal records.