Former January 6 Rioter Previously Pardoned by Trump Sentenced to Life for Child Molestation and Related Sex Crimes

Andrew Paul Johnson, a Florida man pardoned by Trump in 2025, has been sentenced to life in prison for child molestation and other sex crimes against minors.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 6, 2026, 5:19 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from PEOPLE

Florida Handyman Receives Maximum Sentence for Child Abuse

The legal journey of Andrew Paul Johnson reached a permanent conclusion on Thursday as a Florida judge handed down a life sentence following a string of disturbing criminal convictions. According to the Office of the State Attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit, the 45-year-old Brooksville resident was found guilty in February 2026 of five severe counts, including the molestation of minors and the transmission of harmful materials to children. The sentencing marks the end of a high-profile case that began when local authorities responded to a home in July 2025 to investigate reports of inappropriate contact involving victims between the ages of 12 and 16.

Exploitative Tactics and Digital Grooming Evidence

Investigation into Johnson's activities revealed a pattern of manipulation and digital grooming used to target middle school-aged victims. According to trial evidence and press releases from the state attorney, Johnson utilized the messaging platform Discord to send inappropriate materials and encouraged his victims to download secondary applications for more secretive communication. Prosecutors established that the defendant attempted to ensure the silence of the minors by providing them with various gifts and food, while repeatedly warning them that he would face significant trouble if their interactions were ever disclosed to adults or law enforcement.

Courtroom Testimony and the Impact on Young Victims

During the emotional trial, the young victims provided harrowing testimony regarding the fear and confusion they experienced under Johnson's influence. According to court records obtained by NPR, one victim testified that they were only 12 years old at the time and did not initially realize that the behaviors were abnormal or illegal. This testimony was bolstered by interviews conducted with the You Thrive Child Advocacy Center, which helped document the extent of the inappropriate touching and psychological pressure Johnson applied to maintain control over the situation.