Databec Exchange:'Bob's Burgers' actor Jay Johnston pleads guilty in Capitol riot case: Reports

2025-04-30 07:14:04source:Christopher Caldwellcategory:reviews

"Bob's Burgers" and Databec Exchange"Arrested Development" actor Jay Johnston has entered a guilty plea for participating in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, according to reports.

During a hearing in Washington, D.C. on Monday morning, Johnston pleaded guilty to one felony charge of civil disorder, per NBC News and The Associated Press.

The 55-year-old will be sentenced Oct. 7.

The civil disorder charge applies to someone who "commits or attempts to commit any act to obstruct, impede or interfere with" law enforcement duties during civil disorder. According to the AP, Johnston faces up to five years in prison.

In 2023, Johnston and several associates were charged with civil disorder, disorderly or disruptive conduct in a restricted building and grounds, entering and remaining in a restricted building and grounds, as well as impeding passage through the Capitol grounds or buildings.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

The actor voiced Jimmy Pesto on "Bob's Burgers" and played Officer Taylor on "Arrested Development," an eyewitness news member in "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy" and various characters on the short-lived sketch comedy series "W/Bob and David."

USA TODAY has reached out to Johnston's lawyer for comment.

In a 2023 statement of facts document obtained by USA TODAY, the FBI said it had interviewed "three current and former associates" of Johnston, all of whom identified the actor as the individual in still images from footage of the riot taken from public videos, closed circuit television and police body cameras.

Johnston was reportedly seen pushing "against police" and aiding "other rioters" near the Capitol's entrance.

The document also noted one of the former associates presented the FBI with text messages from Johnston about the riot. He reportedly wrote: "The news has presented it as an attack. It actually wasn't. (Though) it kind of turned into that. It was a mess. Got maced and tear gassed …" the document stated.

According to the FBI, United Airlines records showed Johnston had a round-trip flight from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C., departing Jan. 4 and returning Jan. 7, 2021.

Contributing: KiMi Robinson

More:reviews

Recommend

Hidden Home Gems From Kohl's That Will Give Your Space a Stylish Refresh for Less

We independently selected these deals and products because we love them, and we think you might like

Why Sean Diddy Combs Sex Trafficking Case Was Reassigned to a New Judge

Sean "Diddy" Combs will be facing a new judge in his upcoming federal trial.The rapper's case—in whi

Helene near the top of this list of deadliest hurricanes

As search and rescue teams continue to examine stream beds and debris piles in hollers throughout No