Anchorman, Bob’s Burgers Actor Jay Johnston Pleads Guilty in Capitol Riot Charges

Comedian Jay Johnston, known for his roles in Anchorman and Bob’s Burgers, has pleaded guilty to his involvement in the January 6 U.S. Capitol riot.

Mr Johnston admitted on Monday to a single charge of obstructing police during a civil disorder.

He will be sentenced in October and faces up to five years in federal prison.

More than 540 participants in the Capitol riots have served time behind bars.

Mr. Johnston, 55, has been acting in Hollywood since the mid-1990s.

He starred in and wrote for all four seasons of HBO’s Mr. Show with Bob and David, guest-starred on all three seasons of Comedy Central’s The Sarah Silverman Program, and had a recurring role on the Fox sitcom Arrested Development.

Other films the Illinois native has starred in include Men in Black II.

Authorities said he “participated with other rioters in a group attack” on police officers protecting the entrance to the Capitol and “helped transport a stolen police riot shield.”

According to court documents, Mr Johnson also admitted to an acquaintance via text message that he was present.

“The media presented this as an attack. In reality, it was not,” he wrote.

“I thought it had gone that way. It was a real disaster. I was sprayed with tear gas and pepper spray, and I found it pretty disgusting.”

In December, amid the allegations, Mr Johnston was fired from his role on the animated series Bob’s Burgers.

He voiced fan-favorite Italian restaurateur Jimmy Pesto. The character was recast in 2023 and returned to the series for its final season.

Mr. Johnston was arrested in California last summer and initially charged with four counts.

As part of his plea deal, he admitted to a single charge of disturbing the peace, while the other three offences were dropped.

His sentencing hearing is set for October 7.

Of those, more than 800 have pleaded guilty to various federal charges, ranging from assault on law enforcement to seditious conspiracy.