Authorities have arrested Andrew Taake, a Houston man previously pardoned by former President Donald Trump for his involvement in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. Taake, 36, was taken into custody Thursday morning in Leon County on an outstanding 2016 charge of online solicitation of a minor.
Taake’s arrest follows weeks of surveillance, according to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. He was apprehended at approximately 11:30 a.m. by members of the Fugitive Apprehension Section, alongside local law enforcement.
“We appreciate the diligence and coordination of our team, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, and the Texas Department of Public Safety in bringing this individual back into custody,” said Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare.
Background and Charges
Taake gained national attention following his 2021 arrest for assaulting law enforcement officers during the storming of the U.S. Capitol. According to FBI records, he was seen using bear spray and a metal whip against police officers. His federal case resulted in a six-year prison sentence, but he was pardoned by Trump on January 20, 2024, as part of a mass clemency order for Jan. 6 defendants.
However, Taake’s legal troubles date back further. In 2016, he was caught in an undercover sting by the Houston Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Prosecutors say Taake believed he was communicating with a 15-year-old girl online, exchanging explicit messages before arranging a meeting. “He knew what he was doing was illegal,” court records state, quoting a message from Taake in which he acknowledged, ‘I could go to jail for this.’
His solicitation case in Harris County stalled while he faced federal prosecution. When news of Trump’s pardon emerged, Harris County officials attempted to arrange for Taake’s immediate transfer back to Texas custody upon release. Despite their efforts, he was freed that night without being returned to Harris County.
Capture and Next Steps
Authorities tracked Taake’s movements in Leon County starting February 4. His capture brings an end to his fugitive status. As of Thursday afternoon, he remained in Leon County custody while officials coordinated his transfer to Harris County Jail.
Harris County officials have emphasized the importance of holding Taake accountable for the 2016 charges. “Justice delayed cannot be justice denied,” said a spokesperson for the DA’s office.
Taake’s case has drawn widespread public attention due to his involvement in both the Capitol riot and alleged predatory behavior. With his transfer imminent, prosecutors are preparing to finally bring the long-standing solicitation charges to court.
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Just because you were pardoned for treason doesn’t make you a respectable person.
Deceptive NextGen headline doesn’t indicate this was for something BEFORE the Pardon!
They were also laying for that other Pardonee that was killed!