Actor Jay Johnston, known for voicing Jimmy Pesto Sr. on “Bob’s Burgers,” receives prison sentence for his involvement in the January 6 Capitol riot.
At a Glance
- Jay Johnston sentenced to one year and one day in prison for role in Capitol riot
- Pleaded guilty to felony charge of obstruction of law enforcement
- Identified and arrested with help of internet sleuths and acquaintances
- Sentence includes two years of supervised release and $2,000 fine
Actor’s Involvement and Sentencing
Jay Johnston, a voice actor known for his role in the popular animated series “Bob’s Burgers,” has been sentenced to one year and one day in prison for his participation in the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot. The sentencing, handed down by a federal judge, marks a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding the events of that day.
Johnston, who voiced the character Jimmy Pesto Sr. on “Bob’s Burgers” and had roles in other television shows such as “Mr. Show with Bob and David” and “The Sarah Silverman Program,” pleaded guilty to a felony charge of obstruction of law enforcement in July. As part of a plea agreement, three additional charges were dropped.
‘Bob’s Burgers’ actor Jay Johnston sentenced to year in prison for Jan. 6 Capitol riot role https://t.co/siXeMsgtYB pic.twitter.com/mzmG6ufikc
— New York Post (@nypost) October 28, 2024
Details of the Case
The actor’s involvement in the Capitol riot came to light following an FBI investigation. Johnston was arrested in June 2023 in California after being identified through photographs and witness statements. Internet sleuths and three acquaintances played a role in his identification, highlighting the collaborative nature of the investigation.
Authorities reported that during the riot, Johnston moved closer to police lines and assisted in pushing others against officers. He documented the events on his personal phone and later admitted in a text message to being present at the Capitol, describing the scene as a “mess.”
Actor Jay Johnston sentenced to one year for role in US Capitol attack https://t.co/Z23CRRTIrO
— Guardian US (@GuardianUS) October 28, 2024
Timeline and Legal Consequences
Johnston’s involvement in the Capitol riot began when he booked flights to Washington D.C. on January 4, 2021. He returned to Los Angeles on January 7, 2021, after the events had unfolded. The actor’s actions during this period formed the basis of the charges against him.
In addition to the prison sentence, Johnston will be subject to two years of supervised release and must pay a $2,000 fine. This case is part of a broader Justice Department investigation that has resulted in charges against over 1,500 individuals in connection with the Capitol riots.
The sentencing of Jay Johnston serves as a reminder of the ongoing legal consequences faced by those involved in the January 6 Capitol riot, regardless of their public profile or professional background. As the justice system continues to process these cases, it underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating the events of that day.
