Actor Hit With Sentence Over January 6 Riot

Former “Bob’s Burgers” voice actor Jay Johnston has been sentenced to prison for his involvement in the January 6 Capitol riot.

At a Glance

Jay Johnston has been sentenced to one year and one day in prison for January 6 involvement.
Jay pleaded guilty to felony obstruction of officers during civil disorder.
He admitted to pushing against police and aiding other rioters near Capitol entrance.
He was fired from “Bob’s Burgers” in December 2021 following his identification in FBI photos.
He must also pay $2,000 fine and serve two years of supervised release after prison term.

Actor Sentenced for Capitol Riot Participation

Jay Johnston, known for his voice work on the animated series “Bob’s Burgers,” has been sentenced to one year and one day in prison for his role in the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot. The 54-year-old actor pleaded guilty to felony obstruction of officers during civil disorder, a charge that stemmed from his actions at the U.S. Capitol.

Johnston’s involvement in the events of January 6 came to light when the FBI posted pictures seeking public assistance in identifying riot participants. Three associates identified Johnston to the FBI, with one sharing a text message where the actor confirmed his presence at the Capitol.

Details of Johnston’s Actions

According to authorities, Johnston played an active role in the riot, pushing against police and helping other rioters near the “the tunnel,” a U.S. Capitol entrance. He was accused of helping rioters hand up stolen U.S. Capitol Police shields and using one himself.

Johnston had booked flights to Washington on January 4, 2021, and returned to Los Angeles three days later. During the riot, he filmed the crowds on his phone and later described the event as a “mess” in a text message, mentioning that he had been maced and tear-gassed.

Legal Proceedings and Aftermath

Johnston was arrested in Los Angeles in June 2023 after the FBI photos were confirmed to be of him. He initially faced multiple charges but pleaded guilty to a felony charge of obstruction of law enforcement in July as part of a plea agreement that dropped three other charges.

In court, Johnston admitted his actions were a “horrible oversight.” Following his prison sentence, he will be on supervised release for two years and must pay a $2,000 fine. Johnston is among over 1,500 individuals charged with crimes related to the Capitol riots.

Impact on Johnston’s Career

The fallout from Johnston’s involvement in the Capitol riot has had significant consequences for his acting career. He was fired from his role on “Bob’s Burgers” in December 2021, where he had voiced the character of Jimmy Pesto Sr. Prior to this incident, Johnston had a successful career in television, having worked on shows such as “Mr. Show,” “Better Call Saul,” and “Rick and Morty.”

As the legal proceedings conclude, Johnston’s case serves as a reminder of the ongoing investigations and prosecutions related to the events of January 6, 2021, which continue to impact individuals across various professions and backgrounds.