A well-known actor from television comedies faces consequences for his involvement in the January 6 Capitol riot.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Jay Johnston, 56, has been sentenced to one year and one day in prison for interfering with police officers during the civil disorder.
The Los Angeles-based actor, known for his role as Jimmy Pesto Sr. in "Bob's Burgers" and appearances in "Arrested Development," participated in what prosecutors described as a "heave-ho" push against law enforcement at the Capitol. Johnston used his cellphone to document the violence while interacting with other rioters and making jokes during the incident.
Former Actor Turned Handyman Faces Legal Consequences
Johnston's involvement in the riot has significantly impacted his career trajectory. After the incident, he was terminated from "Bob's Burgers," lost a potential movie role, and has effectively been blacklisted from Hollywood. His defense attorney, Stanley Woodward, revealed that Johnston has been working as a handyman for the past two years.
The Chicago native, who moved to Los Angeles in 1993 to pursue acting, pleaded guilty in July to the felony charge. The maximum sentence for his offense was five years, though prosecutors recommended an 18-month term.
During the sentencing, U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols acknowledged Johnston's family situation, particularly his role in caring for his 13-year-old autistic daughter. However, the judge emphasized the severity of Johnston's actions.
Detailed Account Of Capitol Riot Involvement
Johnston's participation began at then-President Trump's "Stop the Steal" rally. He subsequently scaled a stone wall using a metal bike rack to reach the Capitol's West Plaza. His actions escalated as he made his way to a tunnel entrance guarded by police.
The actor's involvement became more serious when he assisted other rioters by helping them flush chemical irritants from their eyes. He also handled a stolen police shield and participated in group efforts that resulted in an officer being crushed against a door frame.
Prosecutors presented evidence of Johnston making light of the situation, including a photo of him dressed as the "QAnon Shaman" at a Halloween party two years after the riot. They argued this demonstrated his lack of remorse for his actions.
Text Messages And Legal Aftermath
The day following the riot, Johnston downplayed the events in a text message to an acquaintance, stating:
The news has presented it as an attack. It actually wasn't. Thought it kind of turned into that. It was a mess.
During his sentencing, Johnston expressed regret, telling Judge Nichols:
That was because of my own ignorance, I believe. If I had been more political, I could have seen that coming, perhaps.
Justice Served In Capitol Riot Case
The FBI's investigation led to the seizure of Johnston's cellphone during a June 2021 search of his California residence. His case joins over 1,500 others charged with Capitol riot-related federal crimes, with more than 1,000 convictions secured.
Johnston's sentence reflects the ongoing legal consequences faced by January 6 participants, as he becomes one of approximately 650 individuals who have received prison terms ranging from days to decades for their involvement in the Capitol riot.
