Clemency by Trump Results in New Charges for Grantees

At least 20 individuals granted clemency by former President Donald Trump have faced new criminal charges. One such person is Jon Donyae Ponder, the founder of a Las Vegas-based prisoner reentry program.

Recidivism Among those Granted Clemency

Jon Donyae Ponder, aged 60, was recently arrested by Las Vegas police. His arrest adds to the list of former convicts who resumed criminal activities after Trump’s clemency. Trump took decisive action on 237 individuals during his first term. He extended clemency to more than 1,500 people, including Capitol rioters after his 2024 reelection. A study by Lawfare indicates at least 97 of those granted clemency for their roles in the Capitol event have committed new offenses since January 6, 2021.

Ponder was among those pardoned during the 2020 Republican National Convention, now believed to be the 20th to face charges post-pardon. Lawfare highlights that clemency potentially facilitated further illegal actions in at least five cases.

Examining the Individuals Charged

Jon Ponder

Ponder, a three-time felon, was leading Hope for Prisoners, a prisoner reentry initiative, when charged in Las Vegas for sexual assault-related offenses. His charges include one count of sexual assault, seven counts of unauthorized custodial contact, and other misdemeanors. He remains in custody pending a court appearance.

Andrew Paul Johnson

Johnson, pardoned in 2025, was subsequently convicted in 2026 of child molestation and sentenced to life imprisonment, with offenses occurring before and after receiving clemency.

Zachary Alam

Having been pardoned last year, Alam faced new charges for home invasion and later convictions for grand larceny and burglary in 2026.

Ryan Nichols

Nichols, a Capitol rioter once sentenced to 64 months, was charged with deadly conduct in May 2026 for allegedly threatening someone with a gun.

Andrew Taake

Taake, convicted for his Capitol involvement, was charged with online solicitation of a minor in Texas in 2025.

Edward Kelley

Kelley, a former Marine pardoned by Trump, was sentenced to life in 2025 for plotting to murder FBI agents investigating him.

Emily Hernandez

Photographed at the Capitol riot, Hernandez later received a 10-year prison sentence for a fatal DUI incident in 2022.

Daniel Ball

Ball, charged for possessing a firearm post-pardon, saw one federal gun charge dismissed during the legal process.

David Daniel

Daniel, another January 6 offender, faced charges in 2024 for producing and possessing child pornography and sexual assault.

Shane Jason Woods

Following his pardon, Woods was convicted in 2025 of aggravated DUI and reckless homicide, receiving a 17-year sentence.

Theodore Middendorf

Middendorf pled guilty to sexual assault, resulting in a 19-year sentence for crimes involving a minor.

Taylor Taranto

In 2025, Taranto was convicted of illegal gun possession and bomb threats near Obama’s residence, with DOJ documents excluding Trump references.

Brent John Holdridge

Holdridge was arrested in California in 2025 for charges related to burglary and theft of industrial wire.

Jonathan Braun

Braun faced charges for violating release terms post-commutation, later convicted of forcible touching and sexual abuse, receiving a 27-month prison sentence in 2025.

Eliyahu Weinstein

Weinstein was convicted for defrauding investors of $35 million after his sentence was commuted, receiving 37 years in federal prison.

John Andries

Following a previous federal sentence, Andries faced new charges in 2025 for violating a peace order, resulting in a 60-day jail term.

Bryan Betancur Battisti

Battisti faced new charges in 2024 for violating an anti-stalking order and inappropriate conduct in public.

Ryan Yates

Involved with the Capitol riot, Yates was arrested in a prostitution sting in 2025, later released on bond.

Christopher Moynihan

Facing charges in 2025 for threatening a political leader, Moynihan agreed to years of probation.

Daniel Tocci

Tocci received a four-year prison sentence in 2025 after a conviction for possessing child sexual abuse materials related to the Capitol case.

For further inquiries, reach out to editors Jason Lemon and Sam Wilson at Newsweek.