DOJ Plans Restitution Refunds for Some January 6 Defendants

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has determined that certain defendants from the January 6 Capitol riot, whose cases were vacated following President Trump's mass pardon, are entitled to restitution refunds. Specifically, Stacy Hager, one of over 1,500 individuals granted clemency, is set to receive a $500 refund after his conviction was overturned. The DOJ stated that there is 'no longer any basis justifying the government’s retaining funds' from those whose convictions were invalidated while under appeal. This decision could potentially lead to hundreds of reimbursements, though eligibility is limited to those who had active appeals at the time of the clemency. The DOJ noted that individuals who accepted pardons without contesting their convictions may not qualify for refunds. As of last year, Jan. 6 defendants had collectively paid $437,000 in restitution, but the source of the reimbursement funds has yet to be clarified.