Television actor Jay Johnston, who had roles in “Bob’s Burgers” and “Arrested Development,” pleaded guilty Monday to interfering with law enforcement officers during the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection.
Johnston, of Los Angeles, pleaded guilty to a felony charge of civil disorder while in court Monday, the Associated Press reported. He will be sentenced on October 7 and could face a maximum sentence of five years in prison, although sentencing guidelines recommend eight to 14 months.
Johnston’s attorney declined to comment to The Hill. The lawyer told his client not to speak to reporters as they left the courtroom, the AP reported.
Johnston was arrested last year after authorities used public video, closed-circuit television footage and footage from police body cameras to identify him and track his movements on Jan. 6, according to the FBI Statement archived June 2023.
Court documents say Johnston allegedly confronted Capitol Police directly and helped other protesters by distributing stolen police shields that were used to create a “shield wall” against law enforcement.
Johnston then participated in a group attack on officers defending the west lower terrace tunnel before joining other protesters outside the tunnel to “repeatedly press against the defending officers,” the affidavit stated.
Once the FBI published photos online, Johnston’s attorney contacted the agency, which subsequently interviewed three current or former associates of Johnston. The agency obtained a text message from one of the associates, who confirmed that Johnston was at the Capitol on January 6.
Court documents say Johnston also used his cellphone to record other protesters during the insurrection, some of whom broke through barricades and caused officers to retreat, according to the AP.
Johnston was a voice actor on Fox’s “Bob’s Burgers” but was reportedly fired after it was confirmed he was at the Capitol on Jan. 6. Show with Bob and David”, “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy” and “Bicentennial Man”.
More than 1,420 people in nearly all 50 states have been charged for their alleged involvement in the January 6 riot.
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