Andrew Taake, a pardoned Capitol rioter, finds himself back in custody on charges of soliciting a Minor. The legal troubles of Andrew Taake, a Jan. 6 Capitol attack participant, continue with his recent arrest for online solicitation of a minor.
Taake’s Initial Conviction and Release
Andrew Taake was initially sentenced to 74 months for his involvement in the January 6th Capitol insurrection. Accused of assaulting law enforcement officers, he became one of many participants at that event to receive a pardon by former President Donald Trump. This presidential pardon, part of a broader move affecting numerous rioters, resulted in Taake’s early release.
Texas authorities arrested a Jan. 6 rioter recently pardoned by President Trump on Thursday for online solicitation of a minor.https://t.co/6vcb88loXt
— WSPA 7NEWS (@WSPA7) February 7, 2025
His release sparked controversy, given that a pending warrant connected to a 2016 solicitation charge had been filed earlier. Federal authorities attempted to maintain custody during his release, indicating unresolved legal matters beyond his Capitol insurrection charges. Despite these attempts, the pardon facilitated his release due to a lack of a certified warrant.
Renewed Legal Troubles
Taake now faces serious allegations stemming from a 2016 charge involving the online solicitation of a minor. On the morning of his arrest, the Harris County District Attorney’s Fugitive Apprehension Section, alongside multiple law enforcement agencies, successfully captured him. Taake’s arrest highlighted law enforcement’s perseverance in processing individuals with unresolved legal issues.
Donald Trump freed this predator from federal prison. https://t.co/JCLtScZpzD
— Senator Cortez Masto (@SenCortezMasto) February 6, 2025
“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 operation involved detailed surveillance efforts, which concluded in Taake’s apprehension in Leon County. Since his flight and fugitive status lasted several weeks, authorities underscored the importance of cooperative law enforcement across jurisdictions. Taake was returned to Harris County after his capture to face his unresolved charges.
Transition to Incarceration Post-Arrest
Andrew Taake awaits trial at the Harris County Jail, where his bond has been revoked. The intricacies surrounding his apprehension demonstrate the challenges in administering justice amid controversial pardons. Local officials have expressed gratitude towards law enforcement’s efforts, emphasizing diligence and vigilance in pursuing justice.
“We would like to thank the coordinated efforts of our office’s Fugitive Apprehension Section, Leon County Sheriff’s Office, and Texas Department of Public Safety for their diligence in getting this suspected child predator back into custody,” said Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare.
President Trump’s pardon of Capitol riot participants, intended as a political statement, has contributed complexities to ongoing legal proceedings. Andrew Taake’s case is a poignant example of determining where presidential pardons intersect with pending local charges. The legal system continues to navigate these intricate challenges to uphold justice and public safety.
Sources:
https://www.mediaite.com/lawcrime/j6-convict-pardoned-by-trump-arrested-for-solicitation-of-a-minor/
https://www.mediaite.com/lawcrime/j6-convict-pardoned-by-trump-arrested-for-solicitation-of-a-minor/