Actor Jay Johnston Sentenced to One Year in Prison for Role in Capitol Riot

Jay Johnston, known for his role as Jimmy Pesto Sr. in the popular animated show Bob’s Burgers and his appearances in Anchorman and The Sarah Silverman Show, has been sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison for his involvement in the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol attack. Johnston, aged 56, was arrested by the FBI in June and pled guilty in July, admitting he interfered with law enforcement during the violent mob attack.

FBI Investigation and Arrest

Federal agents identified Johnston in footage captured on January 6, with videos showing him engaging in physical confrontations with police officers. In one clip, he was seen using a metal bike rack to scale a wall and holding a Donald Trump sign as a makeshift shield against officers. Johnston also captured scenes on his phone, which were later presented as evidence in court. He was handed a stolen Capitol Police riot shield and joined rioters in forming a “shield wall,” which ultimately forced officers to retreat into a tunnel.

Johnston, who faced up to five years in prison, expressed regret during his sentencing, acknowledging his actions made it harder for police to handle the situation. He admitted he didn’t foresee the riot escalating to violence and cited his “own ignorance” as a factor in his involvement.

Prosecutors Highlight Johnston’s Downplaying of Events

Prosecutors argued for an 18-month prison sentence, pointing to Johnston’s attitude following the riot. They noted that in messages to friends and family after January 6, he suggested the event was exaggerated by media and even claimed it was a “setup” by police and Antifa. Adding to their case, prosecutors referenced a Halloween event in 2022 where Johnston dressed as the “QAnon Shaman” Jacob Chansley, a prominent Capitol rioter, as an example of him making light of his involvement.

According to court documents, Johnston’s actions were not only part of one of the most intense clashes on January 6, but he also joked with others about the police violence during the chaos. Prosecutors highlighted his behavior to argue that he continued to downplay the severity of the events, despite being aware of the violence he witnessed firsthand.

A Sentence Reflecting Accountability

The judge’s sentencing marks another instance of federal accountability for the over 1,100 individuals arrested in connection with the Capitol attack. Johnston will be required to report to prison at a date to be announced. His attorney did not respond immediately to media inquiries following the sentencing.

Johnston’s sentence reflects a growing trend of prison time for those actively involved in the riot, especially those who interfered with law enforcement. Multiple deaths and injuries were linked to the attack, including Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick, who suffered strokes a day after being assaulted.