Overview

• U.S. District Judge John Bates authorized approximately $2,200 to Yvonne St. Cyr after her felony convictions were vacated by President Trump’s blanket pardon.
• Bates wrote that he was obligated to follow the law despite misgivings, concluding that vacatur and dismissal legally presume St. Cyr’s innocence and require returning her payment.
• The Justice Department has argued in court that pardoned Jan. 6 defendants are entitled to refunds of restitution they paid to the Architect of the Capitol.
• Most convicted defendants were ordered to pay restitution—about $2,000 for felonies and $500 for misdemeanors—with reporting estimating roughly $437,000 collected overall.
• This appears to be the first refund granted to a pardoned Jan. 6 defendant, and coverage indicates more repayment claims are likely as the fiscal ramifications draw continued scrutiny.