Jay Johnston Latest Update: Pleads Guilty in U.S. Capitol Riot Case

Jay Johnston Pleads Guilty in U.S. Capitol Riot Case

Jay Johnston , known for his roles in Bobs Burgers and Arrested Development , has pleaded guilty to a felony charge for his involvement in the January 6 , 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol . The actor , 55 , admitted to civil disorder for obstructing the police during the riots . On Monday , July 8 , Johnston entered his guilty plea and is set to be sentenced on October 7 , facing a maximum of five years in prison.

Johnston 's guilty plea comes after being arrested and charged on June 7 , 2023 for several misdemeanors related to the riots . Court documents reveal that Johnston was part of a mob of rioters at the U.S. Capitol building during the events of January 6 , 2021 . At around 2:40 p.m. local time , Johnston advanced towards the Capitol with the crowd , pushing his way through the Tunnel towards the police line.

By 3:10 p.m. , Johnston was involved in creating a shield wall with other rioters , pushing against the police inside the Tunnel . This caused an officer to be crushed between the crowd and a door , before Johnston eventually exited the Tunnel at 3:13 p.m. Johnston was later seen assisting other rioters in handing up U.S. Capitol Police shields during the violent assault.

The FBI had asked the public for help in identifying Johnston after the Capitol attack . Evidence revealed that Johnston had booked a round - trip flight from Los Angeles to Washington , D.C. during the week of the riot . Over 1,000 people were charged with federal crimes for their roles in the 2021 Capitol riots , with sentences ranging from one week to 18 years.

Jay Johnston Admits Involvement in Capitol Attack

Prosecutors allege that Johnston played a part in the violent assaults against law enforcement at the U.S. Capitol on January 6 . Charging documents state that Johnston took a shield from officers and used it to push against police defending the Tunnel . Johnston even texted an associate acknowledging his involvement , claiming that the events were not an attack but rather a mess that turned chaotic.

Johnston 's sentencing is scheduled for October 7 before US District Judge Carl Nichols , where he could face up to five years in prison . Johnston 's involvement in the Capitol riot led to him being banned from returning to Bobs Burgers , where he voiced the character of Jimmy Pesto Sr . Johnston 's role in the riot has brought to light the consequences faced by those who participated in the events of January 6 , 2021.