Texas Man Pardoned for Jan. 6 Attack Wanted on 2016 Charge of Soliciting a Minor
Andrew Taake, accused of assaulting police officers during the Capitol riot, faces an outstanding charge related to soliciting a minor.
AUSTIN, Texas — A Texas man who was released from federal custody following a pardon by President Donald Trump for his involvement in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol is now wanted by authorities in connection with a 2016 charge of soliciting a minor online, prosecutors confirmed.
Andrew Taake, 36, was previously charged with attacking law enforcement officers with bear spray and a metal whip during the Capitol riot. He was among nearly 1,600 individuals granted clemency by Trump last week in a sweeping pardon of those convicted in relation to the attack.
Taake was released from a federal prison in Colorado on January 20, despite a request from Texas authorities to detain him due to the outstanding warrant. The Harris County District Attorney’s Office issued a statement confirming that Taake had been awaiting trial on a charge related to soliciting a 17-year-old online for sexual purposes.
“Re-arresting individuals, like Taake, who were released despite active state warrants will require significant resources,” the Harris County DA’s office said. “We are actively working to locate and apprehend him.”
Efforts to reach Taake’s attorney, Brett Podolsky, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons for comment were unsuccessful.
Other Recent Incidents Involving Pardoned Jan. 6 Defendants
Indiana:
In Indiana, a man who had his Jan. 6-related charges dismissed was fatally shot by police during a traffic stop. Authorities say Matthew Huttle, 42, was shot following an altercation with law enforcement, though details on the incident remain limited. Huttle had been convicted of a misdemeanor for entering the Capitol and had served six months in custody before his pardon.
Florida:
Daniel Ball, a Florida resident, was arrested in Washington, D.C., on federal gun charges just days after being pardoned. Authorities allege Ball, who had previously been convicted of domestic violence and battery on a law enforcement officer, was found in possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. His latest arrest follows an investigation that initially began with his Jan. 6-related charges.
Kentucky:
Federal prosecutors are seeking to return Daniel Wilson, a Kentucky man who was also pardoned, to prison for firearm-related offenses. Authorities claim that a search of Wilson’s home, conducted during the Capitol riot investigation, uncovered illegal possession of firearms.
These cases have raised concerns over the potential consequences of the broad pardons granted to Jan. 6 participants. Law enforcement agencies are now working to manage the legal ramifications of these releases while pursuing outstanding criminal charges against individuals who have re-entered the justice system.