Pardoned January 6 Rioter Wanted for Child-Sex Charges in Houston

A man who was pardoned by President Donald Trump for his role in the January 6 Capitol riot is now on the run from child-sex charges. According to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, federal authorities did not turn him over to Texas law enforcement as requested, allowing him to avoid prosecution at the state level.

Who Is Andrew Taake?

Andrew Taake, 36, had been awaiting trial in Houston for allegedly soliciting a minor online when he pleaded guilty to assaulting law enforcement officers during the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. His conviction for those federal charges was erased following a presidential pardon of Capitol rioters. However, state charges for online solicitation of a minor were still pending, and Texas authorities expected to take custody of him once his federal sentence was served.

Despite the Harris County District Attorney’s Office formally requesting that Taake remain in federal custody until state police could arrest him, he was released instead. Now, he is missing, and law enforcement agencies are searching for him.

The Charges Against Taake

Under Texas law, online solicitation of a minor—outlined in Texas Penal Code Section 33.021—refers to an individual engaging in sexual communication or arranging a sexual encounter with someone they know or believe to be under 17 years old. If convicted, the charge carries a sentence of two to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. If the victim was under 14, the punishment increases to between two and 20 years behind bars, with the same fine and mandatory registration as a sex offender.

Taake was reportedly caught in a sting operation in 2016 by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force in the Houston area. Despite the seriousness of the allegations, his January 6 pardon only applied to federal charges, meaning he was still required to stand trial for the state-level sex crime accusations.

Why This Matters

The decision to pardon individuals involved in the January 6 riot has sparked debate. Some critics argue that pardoning those who committed violent acts against law enforcement sends the wrong message, while others believe it was necessary for political reconciliation. Law enforcement groups have expressed concerns about the impact of these pardons, especially in cases involving assaults on officers.

Taake was among those who assaulted officers during the riot. According to court records, he attacked police with bear spray and brandished a whip-like weapon. His identity was uncovered after he discussed his involvement with a woman on the dating app Bumble, even sending her a picture of himself at the riot.

The Search for Taake

Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare told Houston Public Media that his office had provided a copy of Taake’s outstanding warrant to the Federal Bureau of Prisons on January 15—five days before the pardon was issued. Despite this, Taake was released, and authorities now face the challenge of locating and arresting him.

Taake no longer resides at his last known address. Current occupants of his former residence told ABC13 that they still receive his mail but haven’t seen him in years. Law enforcement agencies, including the Harris County DA’s office and the Deer Park Police Department, are actively working to track him down.

Legal Implications and Hiring a Houston Sex Crimes Lawyer

Cases like Taake’s highlight the complexities of sex crime accusations and the necessity of skilled legal representation. Facing charges of online solicitation of a minor is serious, with penalties that can impact every aspect of a person’s life. Anyone accused of a similar crime should consult with a Houston sex crimes lawyer immediately. A knowledgeable attorney can help navigate the legal process, build a strong defense, and ensure that constitutional rights are protected throughout the proceedings.

In the meantime, authorities continue their efforts to bring Taake to justice. If found guilty, he will serve time in Texas state prison and be required to register as a sex offender upon release.