Former Jan. 6 defendant pardoned by Trump now charged with kidnapping and sexual assault
A man who was pardoned by President Trump after his alleged involvement in the Jan. 6, 2021 US Capitol riot was recently arrested for a brutal attack on a woman that occurred three years prior to the siege. John Banuelos, 40, from Utah, was apprehended in Chicago on Oct. 17 while leaving a fast-food restaurant in a rideshare car, according to the Cook County Sheriff’s Office.
The arrest was made on the basis of a warrant issued in Salt Lake City on Oct. 1 for charges of aggravated kidnapping and aggravated sexual assault. The incident in question took place in June 2018 when Banuelos allegedly lured a woman referred to as “S.J.” to his home under false pretenses of hosting a party. Once inside, he viciously attacked her, hitting her in the face, threatening to kill her, and physically assaulting her in a sexual manner.
The victim reported that Banuelos became enraged after she fought back, leading to a violent altercation where she was thrown to the ground, strangled, and subjected to further abuse. Despite the terrifying ordeal, the woman survived and reported the incident to authorities.
In addition to the assault case, Banuelos was also implicated in the Jan. 6 riot at the US Capitol, where he was accused of pulling out a gun and firing shots while on the Capitol grounds. However, Trump’s pardon of Banuelos and over 1,500 others involved in the riot resulted in the dismissal of his charges related to the incident.
The court documents revealed that Banuelos was captured on CCTV footage brandishing a firearm on the Inaugural stage scaffolding during the riot, firing shots into the air before descending to join the mob below. Fortunately, no injuries were reported from the shooting incident.
Despite the pardon granted by Trump, the tragic events of Jan. 6, 2021, cannot be erased. Banuelos remains in custody at Cook County Jail for the assault charges brought against him, awaiting further legal proceedings. The justice system continues to hold him accountable for his actions, ensuring that justice is served for the victims of his violent and reprehensible behavior.
