Actor Jay Johnston has agreed to plead guilty to federal charges related to his participation in the storming of the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021. According to reports from New York Timesthe artist who voices the character of Jimmy Pesto Sr. in the popular animated series Bob’s Burgersopted for the alternative of accepting the accusation of civil disorder in exchange for other more serious charges being dropped.
The hearing for the formal change of his plea is scheduled for July 8 in the United States District Court in the District of Columbia. As reported to NYT to a person familiar with the case, the civil disorder charge could carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a fine, or both.
On January 6, 2021, a crowd of supporters of the then president Donald Trump, stormed the US Capitol building in an attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. Trump had lost the election to Joe Biden, but his followers believed in unfounded theories of electoral fraud.
The violent event resulted in nine dead and more than 174 police officers injured. According to the Department of Justice, more than 1,450 people have been charged in connection with these events, including nearly 280 people who have already been jailed.
Authorities began searching for Johnston in March 2021, after the FBI posted a photo of an “agitator” on social media and requested information to help identify him. Investigators later interviewed three associates of the actor who confirmed that he was the man in the images. Additional evidence was later obtained, including a text message sent by the defendant, where he discussed his participation in the assault on the Capitol.
In the SMS, Johnston denied that the break-in to this institution was an attack, although he admitted that it turned into chaos. “The news presented it as an attack,” Johnston wrote. “Actually it wasn’t. It became that though. It was a disaster. “They gassed me and that wasn’t so great.”
United Airlines flight records also showed that Johnston had booked a round trip from Los Angeles to Washington, DC, departing on January 4, 2021 and returning on January 7, 2021. This corroborated his presence in the city during the events.
Johnston was arrested in June 2023 in Los Angeles. The actor turned himself in to the FBI a day after the Department of Justice issued an arrest warrant for him. He was charged with four charges, including obstruction of law enforcement, disorderly conduct and rioting on restricted grounds. He was later released on $25,000 bail.
In court documents cited by New York Times Johnston is accused of leading a group of rioters to the front lines confronting police in defense of the Capitol. The evidence includes footage from officers’ body cameras and security footage that shows Johnston pushing against officers and helping other protesters enter a tunnel.
Jay Johnston is a familiar face in American comedy. Her acting career includes roles on influential television shows such as Mr. Show with Bob and David, Better Call Saul and The Sarah Silverman Program. In addition, he had roles in films such as anchor man and Men in black II.
Johnston was also known for his recurring role on Arrested Development, Parks and Recreation and of course, Bob’s Burgers like the character of Jimmy Pesto Sr. However, in the wake of accusations related to the assault on the Capitol, Johnston was removed from Bob’s Burgers in December 2021 and was replaced by Eric Bauza.
