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Benjamin J. Martin

January 6 defendant

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Benjamin J. Martin is a real estate agent from Fresno, California, whose January 6 case became a test of how far a presidential pardon reaches. FACT: A high-school acquaintance recognized him in riot footage and tipped off the FBI. Investigators say he discussed plans to travel to Washington in a Telegram group chat before January 6. The FBI arrested him at his Madera-area home in September 2021. (Source: DOJ, Eastern District of California) FACT: He pleaded not guilty and took his case to trial. A federal jury in Washington convicted him on June 26, 2024 of civil disorder and obstruction of an official proceeding, plus misdemeanors; the obstruction count was dismissed by the court on October 15, 2024. He was sentenced December 20, 2024 to 13 months of incarceration, 36 months of supervised release, and $2,000 in restitution. (Source: DOJ; NPR January 6 Defendants Database) FACT: On January 20, 2025, the presidential pardon covered his January 6 convictions. (Source: GV Wire) His fight did not end there. FACT: He was separately convicted in Fresno on firearms charges stemming from the same 2021 search of his home. (Source: DOJ EDCA; YourCentralValley) FACT: In 2025, the Justice Department itself argued that the separate case should be dismissed because of the January 6 pardon. (Source: Law & Crime) Watch this one; the pardon-scope question in his case matters for other defendants too. CASE RECORD Case 1:21-mj-555, U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia Charges: Entering and Remaining in a Restricted Building or Grounds; Disorderly and Disruptive Conduct in a Restricted Building or Grounds; Disorderly Conduct in a Capitol Building; Parading, Demonstrating or Picketing in a Capitol Building; Obstructing Law Enforcement During Civil Disorder; Obstructing or Impeding an Official Proceeding (dismissed 10/15/24) Disposition: Arrested 9/2/21. Convicted at jury trial 6/26/24 on civil disorder, obstruction, and misdemeanor counts. Obstruction count dismissed 10/15/24. Sentenced 12/20/24 to 13 months incarceration, 36 months supervised release, $2,000 restitution. Pardoned 1/20/25. This profile is unclaimed. If this is you, or your family, claiming it is free, forever.