Madera man pardoned by Trump for J6 charges rearrested for firearms violations

FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — A Madera man released by President Donald Trump's J6 pardons turned himself in for rearrest in Fresno.

Benjamin Martin was convicted of firearms violations 3 months after being convicted in the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol Breach Trial in Washington, D.C.

U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert said he was convicted of illegally possessing firearms and ammunition.

Judge Jennifer Thurston found Martin guilty in a one-day bench trial on Sept. 10, 2024.

Martin says the guns don't belong to him and were in his fiance's safe and belong to her and her father. He says he was never in possession of the guns.

He also said the guns were found when agents raided their home with a search warrant for J6, and they were not related to J6.

After taking the Oath of Office, President Trump pardoned about 1,500 J6 prisoners, including Martin.

Thurston sentenced Martin to 38 months, for which he was ordered to surrender.

On Wednesday, Martin turned himself in to federal authorities in downtown Fresno but says he is fighting on.