A Texas man previously convicted for his involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot has been taken back into custody after being charged with online solicitation of a minor. The individual, 36 years old, was apprehended by law enforcement in Leon County, Texas, following a surveillance operation. Authorities issued an arrest warrant for him late last month in connection with a 2016 charge that had remained unresolved.
The man had initially been on pretrial release when he participated in the Capitol attack, where he was seen using a metal whip and bear spray against law enforcement officers. His actions resulted in a six-year prison sentence after he pleaded guilty to assaulting, resisting, or impeding officers with a dangerous weapon in December 2023. However, his conviction was later overturned after receiving a full and unconditional pardon.
With his federal case no longer active, local prosecutors moved forward with addressing the state charge from 2016. According to officials, law enforcement agencies worked together to track his whereabouts and confirmed his location through surveillance. Once confirmed, officers conducted an operation leading to his arrest.
The individual had previously made headlines for how he was initially identified and arrested for his role in the Capitol riot. Investigators discovered his involvement after a woman he interacted with on a dating app recognized him and reported him to authorities. As a result, he was sentenced in 2024 to 74 months in prison, along with 36 months of supervised release, and was ordered to pay restitution.
The charge he now faces stems from an alleged online exchange in 2016, where he communicated with someone he believed to be under 17 years of age. At the time, he was 27 years old. Law enforcement officials detailed that he engaged in conversations on social media with what he thought was a 15-year-old girl but was actually an undercover officer. During these interactions, he allegedly sent multiple explicit messages and suggested meeting in person. Reports indicate that he was aware of the legal implications, acknowledging that his actions could result in jail time. Nevertheless, he proceeded to the meeting location provided by the undercover officer, where he was subsequently arrested.
Following his recent capture, officials expressed concerns about the challenges of re-arresting individuals who had pending state warrants but were released due to external legal decisions. Law enforcement agencies emphasized the resources required for such operations but reassured that they remain committed to holding individuals accountable for their crimes.
Authorities credited their coordinated efforts for successfully bringing the individual back into custody. The operation involved multiple agencies working together to ensure that he would answer for the charges against him. If convicted on the solicitation charge, he faces up to ten years in prison.
The broader context of this case has led to increased discussion about the legal and political ramifications of recent pardon decisions. Family members of individuals affected by the events of January 6, as well as victims of the attack, have expressed concern about potential future incidents. Law enforcement agencies remain vigilant in tracking down those who still have pending charges, ensuring that unresolved legal matters are addressed despite external interventions.
This case highlights the complexities surrounding legal accountability and the consequences of past actions resurfacing even after legal pardons. The individual now awaits further legal proceedings that will determine the outcome of his 2016 charge.
