Andrew Taake, a Texas man recently pardoned by President Donald Trump for his role in the January 6 Capitol riot, is currently considered "at large" in connection with allegations of soliciting a minor online. Taake, 36, was freed after serving a sentence for assaulting officers with bear spray and a metal whip during the insurrection, which has drawn significant media attention and widespread controversy.

Taake faced a lengthy sentence for his actions during the riot and was released from federal prison following a sweeping pardon that affected nearly 1,600 individuals involved in the Capitol disturbance. Despite this release, he remains wanted in Texas for charges dating back to 2016, when he allegedly attempted to pursue inappropriate online contact with a minor. According to reports, Taake was out on a $20,000 bond at the time of the Capitol riot.

The Harris County District Attorney's office revealed that Taake was supposed to be kept in custody to answer for his pending state charges, and they had requested federal authorities to hold him. However, they confirmed that despite sending a warrant five days prior to Taake's pardon, he was released without being apprehended by state law enforcement. DA Sean Teare stated, "We are already in the process of tracking Taake down, as he must answer for [the] 2016 charge of soliciting a minor online."

During the January 6 riots, Taake reportedly bragged about his actions on the dating app Bumble, where he communicated with a woman who later turned him into the FBI. He claimed to be "near all the action" during the riots, alluding to his participation in the insurrection. His conversion to a fugitive status adds another layer of complexity to his ongoing legal issues, as he is sought on charges of online solicitation of a minor that could lead to 10 years in prison if convicted.

The ongoing investigation into Taake's failure to appear for the solicitation charges underscores ongoing concerns about the implications of pardons given by President Trump, particularly given the nature and severity of the crimes some of those pardoned committed against law enforcement on January 6. The New York Times highlighted that Taake's release, juxtaposed against the existing warrant, raised serious questions about the handling of such cases.

As authorities continue their search for Taake, this incident raises significant implications for discussions surrounding law enforcement, accountability, and the impact of political pardons.

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