In a striking fall from grace, Jay Johnston – known for his voice work on Bob’s Burgers – has been sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison.
His involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot marked a drastic downfall in the entertainment industry, with the Washington Post reporting that Johnston has been “blacklisted” from Hollywood roles.
Johnston’s legal troubles began with his arrest in June 2023, after he was caught on camera at the tumultuous events at the Capitol.
According to ABC News, surveillance footage captured the 56-year-old actor actively participating in the riot, where he was seen assisting others in pushing against police lines at the Lower West Terrace tunnel.
Federal prosecutors wrote of Johnston’s actions: “During that time, he: (1) helped at least four other rioters wash their eyes out after being sprayed with OC spray; (2) used a stolen United States Capitol Police riot shield to make a ‘shield wall’ against the police inside the tunnel; and (3) participated in ‘heave-ho’ push that pinned and crushed MPD Officer Daniel Hodges against a door frame.”
This led to a guilty plea in July for obstructing officers during a civil disorder — a felony charge.
The case against Johnston was heavily fortified by both his actions during the riot and his behavior afterward. Federal prosecutors highlighted a concerning lack of remorse, referencing an instance where Johnston mocked the seriousness of his actions by dressing as Jacob Chansley – the infamous “QAnon Shaman” – for a Halloween party.
Furthermore, NBC News reported that Johnston attempted to downplay the severity of the riot in communications following the event, suggesting to friends and family that the media had exaggerated the violence and blamed it on a ‘setup’ by police and Antifa.
Before his entanglement with the law, Johnston enjoyed a prosperous career, lending his voice to the character of Jimmy Pesto Sr. on Bob’s Burgers, and contributing to various other projects as an actor, writer, and producer.
He is also known for his roles in movies like Anchorman and hit TV shows like Better Call Saul and Arrested Development.
However, his participation in the Capitol riot led to swift repercussions within the entertainment industry, culminating in his dismissal from Bob’s Burgers.
During his sentencing, emotional appeals from family members painted a picture of a man ostracized from Hollywood. His attorney, Stanley Woodward, argued that Johnston’s significant role in the events had been overstated due to his celebrity status, suggesting that it was used to set an example to the public.
“Because he is an acclaimed Hollywood actor, and the government is using his status to make a point to the public,” Woodward wrote in a sentencing memo.
Johnston himself took a moment to address the court, acknowledging his responsibility for his “reprehensible” actions on that fateful day.
In handing down the sentence, D.C. District Judge Carl Nichols pointed out the paradox of Johnston’s situation: a successful entertainer who inexplicably chose to engage in criminal activities – a decision he described as “all the more inexplicable and troubling”.
Judge Nichols sentenced Johnston to one year and one day behind bars.
Prosecutors had sought 18 months in federal prison.
