Overview
- Andrew Paul Johnson, 44, was arrested in Tennessee in August and extradited to Florida on charges including lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious exhibition, and transmitting harmful material to a minor.
- Hernando County investigators opened the case in July after a mother reported finding inappropriate Discord messages involving her child and Johnson, identified as her ex-boyfriend.
- The arrest affidavit alleges grooming and molestation between April and October 2024, including mailed gifts such as an iPhone, instructions to delete messages, exposure of genitals, and multiple incidents of touching.
- Officials say Johnson told a child he expected a $10 million payout because he was pardoned for Jan. 6 and offered to include the child in his will to keep the conduct secret.
- Johnson has pleaded not guilty, faces two county cases with trials scheduled for early next year, and is due back in court on December 10.