The aftermath of the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots continues to unfold as three men from Florida face new criminal charges, despite having been pardoned by former President Donald Trump in January 2025. This development raises questions about the legal ramifications for individuals involved in the violent attempt to overturn the 2020 presidential election results.
On that fateful day, a large group of Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol, resulting in five deaths and numerous injuries. Approximately 1,500 individuals were charged with various federal offenses, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies. Florida reported the highest number of arrests, with 153 individuals implicated in the events of January 6.
New Criminal Charges for January 6 Defendants
Despite the pardons, the legal troubles for some Florida defendants persist. Among them is Andrew Johnson, a resident from the Tampa Bay area. Johnson, who had pleaded guilty in the spring of 2024 to charges including violently entering a restricted building, was pardoned shortly after. However, in July 2025, he was arrested on multiple charges of child sexual abuse. A probable cause affidavit details allegations that Johnson molested his girlfriend’s 11-year-old son on three occasions in 2024. The document claims that he attempted to manipulate the child by saying he was pardoned for his actions on January 6 and would leave him money in his will.
In another case, Daniel Ball from Homosassa faces felony firearm charges after his January 6 case was dismissed. The Department of Justice reported that Ball threw an explosive device into the Capitol, injuring several police officers. He was accused of violently pushing against law enforcement and damaging property inside the building. Just days after receiving a pardon, Ball was re-arrested due to his prior felony record, which included domestic violence and strangulation.
Additionally, Jarod Hawks, a 44-year-old from Port Orange, was initially charged with multiple felonies for his role in the Capitol riot, including assault on a federal officer. His case was dismissed by Trump, but Hawks has since encountered legal troubles, facing multiple arrests for charges such as battery and burglary. Most recently, in November 2025, he was charged with battery and contempt of court, according to records from Volusia County jail.
These cases highlight the complex legal landscape that persists even after pardons have been granted. The ongoing arrests and new charges against individuals involved in the January 6 events suggest that accountability remains a significant issue. As these legal proceedings unfold, they serve as a reminder of the lasting consequences stemming from that day in January 2021.
