‘Bob’s Burgers’ actor pleads guilty to Jan. 6 felony charge

Television actor Jay Johnston, who had roles in “Bob’s Burgers” and “Arrested Development,” pleaded guilty Monday to interfering with police officers during the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection.

Johnston, of Los Angeles, pleaded guilty to a felony charge of civil disorder while in court Monday, The Associated Press reported. He is slated to be sentenced Oct. 7 and could face a maximum sentence of five years in prison, though sentencing guidelines recommended eight months to 14 months.

Johnston’s attorney declined to comment to The Hill. The attorney told his client to not speak to reporters as they left the courtroom, the AP reported.

Johnston was arrested last year after authorities used public video, closed circuit television footage and police body camera footage to identify him and trace his movements on Jan. 6, according to the FBI affidavit filed in June 2023.

Court documents said Johnston allegedly confronted Capitol Police directly and helped other rioters by handing out stolen police shields that were used to create a “shield wall” against authorities.

Johnston then participated in group assault on officers who were defending the lower west terrace tunnel before rejoining other rioters outside the tunnel in “pushing repeatedly against the defending officers,” the affidavit stated.

Once the FBI posted photos online, Johnston’s attorney contacted the bureau, which subsequently interviewed three current or former associates of Johnston. The bureau obtained a text message from one of associates, which confirmed Johnston was at the Capitol on Jan. 6.

Court filings said Johnston also used his cellphone to record other rioters during the insurrection, some of whom broke through barricades and sent police officers retreating, per the AP.

Johnston was a voice actor on Fox’s “Bob’s Burgers” but was reportedly fired after it was confirmed that he was at the Capitol on Jan. 6. His acting roles also include parts in “Mr. Show with Bob and David,” “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy” and “Bicentennial Man.”

More than 1,420 people in nearly all 50 states have been charged for their alleged involvement in the Jan. 6 riot.