Trendpills
John Earle Sullivan, a man who received a presidential pardon from Donald Trump for his involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, has been arrested in Florida on unrelated and severe state-level charges. Sullivan is accused of multiple counts of child molestation and attempting to bribe the victim’s family to secure their silence.
An indictment unsealed in Pinellas County, Florida, details the new charges against Sullivan. Prosecutors allege that he engaged in lewd or lascivious molestation. Furthermore, he is accused of witness tampering after allegedly trying to persuade the victim's family not to cooperate with law enforcement. The alleged bribe offer involved a promise to share proceeds he expected to receive from a class-action lawsuit filed by Jan. 6 defendants against the federal government.
Sullivan, who also used the name 'Jayden X,' was a prominent figure during the attack on the Capitol, where he recorded extensive footage from inside the building, including the fatal shooting of Ashli Babbitt. He was subsequently convicted on several federal charges, including obstructing an official proceeding and civil disorder. In late 2024, he was among more than 100 individuals connected to the Jan. 6 events who were granted clemency by former President Trump during the final weeks of his term.
This new case underscores that a presidential pardon only applies to federal crimes and offers no protection against prosecution for separate offenses at the state level. The Florida case stems from an entirely different investigation unrelated to his actions in Washington, D.C. Authorities in Pinellas County took Sullivan into custody, where he now faces the new legal battle. The situation highlights the complex legal landscape for individuals who, despite receiving federal pardons, may still be held accountable for other alleged crimes. Sullivan’s arrest follows his high-profile Jan. 6 activities and subsequent pardon, bringing fresh scrutiny to his case.
