“Bob’s Burgers” Voice Actor Jay Johnston Sentenced For January 6 Participation

a cheeseburger with lettuce and tomato in frton of french fries on a slab of wood

Jay Johnston, known for voicing Jimmy Pesto Sr. on “Bob’s Burgers,” has been sentenced to one year and a day in prison for his role in the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot.

At a Glance

Johnston pleaded guilty to a felony charge of obstruction of law enforcement
He was arrested in June 2023 after being identified by internet sleuths and acquaintances
The actor will face two years of supervised release and a $2,000 fine after his prison term
Johnston is among over 1,500 individuals charged in connection with the Capitol riots

Actor’s Involvement in Capitol Riot

Jay Johnston, known for his comedic roles in “Bob’s Burgers” and “Mr. Show with Bob and David,” has been sentenced to one year and a day in prison for his participation in the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot. The actor pleaded guilty to a felony charge of obstruction of law enforcement as part of a plea agreement that dropped three other charges against him.

Authorities reported that Johnston moved closer to police lines during the riot and assisted in pushing others against officers. He was also accused of participating in violent assaults on law enforcement, filming the events, and using a stolen riot shield to form a “shield wall.” Johnston’s actions were captured on video, showing him scaling a wall with a bike rack and using a Trump billboard as a shield.

‘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

Arrest and Sentencing

The now-former “Bob’s Burgers” voice actor Johnston was arrested in June 2023 in California after being identified with the help of internet sleuths and three acquaintances. The FBI released photos of Johnston, leading to his capture. In July, he pleaded guilty to the felony charge as part of a plea agreement.

Following his prison term, Johnston will face two years of supervised release and must pay a $2,000 fine. Prosecutors had initially recommended an 18-month sentence, citing Johnston’s behavior and comments after the riot, including dressing as the “QAnon Shaman” for Halloween in 2022.

Johnston’s Response and Career Impact

During his sentencing, Johnston expressed remorse for his actions, acknowledging that he “made it more difficult for the police to do their job” and attributing his behavior to ignorance. Judge Carl Nichols found Johnston’s participation “inexplicable and troubling” given his successful acting career.

The actor’s involvement in the Capitol riot has had significant consequences for his career. Johnston was fired from “Bob’s Burgers” in December 2021 after being identified as a possible rioter. His lawyer argued that he has been unfairly targeted due to his Hollywood status and has been blacklisted, now working as a handyman.

Broader Context of Capitol Riot Prosecutions

Johnston’s case is part of a larger effort to prosecute individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot. Nearly 1,500 people have been charged in connection with the event, with almost 900 pleading guilty and over 180 convicted at trial. The riot resulted in multiple deaths, including rioter Ashli Babbit and Officer Brian D. Sicknick, with additional officer suicides following the event.

The ongoing prosecutions have become a political issue, with former President Donald Trump suggesting he might pardon some rioters if elected, referring to them as “hostages” and “political prisoners.” This statement has added another layer of complexity to the ongoing legal proceedings and public discourse surrounding the events of January 6, 2021.