Former ‘Bob’s Burgers’ actor pleads guilty in January 6 case
Actor Jay Johnston, who voiced Jimmy Pesto Sr. on the Fox animated sitcom “Bob’s Burgers,” has agreed to plead guilty in the federal case against him for his participation in the Jan. 6, 2021, riots at the U.S. Capitol.
Authorities arrested Mr. Johnston, 55, last summer in California and charged him with four counts, including civil disorder and trespassing. Mr. Johnston agreed to plead guilty to a single count of civil disorder in exchange for the other charges being dropped, according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity. A plea agreement hearing is scheduled for July 8 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
There is a charge of civil disorder a maximum prison sentence of five yearsor a fine, or both.
Mr. Johnston was a regular on the groundbreaking television comedy “Mr. Show with Bob and David” and later had recurring roles on “The Sarah Silverman Program” and “Arrested Development.” His film credits include “Anchorman” and “Men in Black II.”
He was quickly named by internet sleuths when the FBI released photos of him inside the Capitol on January 6, 2021. a message on social media He has asked for the public’s help in identifying him.
Authorities also identified Mr. Johnston from police body camera footage and security footage that showed him pushing against officers and helping rioters push through a tunnel entrance into the Capitol, according to an FBI affidavit.
According to the affidavit, he can be seen taking photos of the crowd, beckoning others to join the march and handing water to rioters, who use it to rinse out their eyes.
In addition, three people who knew Mr. Johnston identified him to investigators from the footage inside the Capitol. One of those people showed investigators a text message Mr. Johnston had sent admitting to being in the Capitol.
“The news presented it as an attack,” the report said, according to court documents. “It wasn’t really. I thought it was going to be a little bit like that. It was a mess. I was raped and gassed and I thought it was pretty unaesthetic.”
According to court documents, Mr. Johnston had also booked a return flight from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C., with his flight departing on January 4, 2021, and returning three days later.
The Daily Beast, an online news site, reported in December 2021 that Mr. Johnston lost his job as lead singer for Jimmy Pesto Sr. on “Bob’s Burgers” after allegations surfaced that he had been in the Capitol.
Mr. Johnston is one of more than 1,500 people charged in connection with the January 6 riot at the Capitol. according to the Ministry of Justice. He will join more than 800 people who have pleaded guilty.
Alan Feuer contributed to the reporting.