Former ‘Bob’s Burgers’ actor expected to plead guilty in Capitol breach case
According to court documents, Jay Johnston was near the front of the mob illegally amassed in the West Plaza of the Capitol.
An actor and comedian who voiced a character on “Bob’s Burgers” and had roles on “Better Call Saul” and “Mr. Show with Bob and David” is expected to plead guilty to at least one charge next month connected to the attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
Jay Johnston, 55, of Los Angeles faces charges of civil disorder, entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly or disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, and impeding passage through the Capitol grounds or buildings, according to documents filed in federal court in the District of Columbia.
His hearing is set for July 8.
List: Southern California residents accused or convicted in the Capitol insurrection
According to court documents, Johnston was near the front of the mob illegally amassed in the West Plaza of the Capitol.
After police officers were forced to retreat, Johnston, along with others, is accused of pursuing the police to the Lower West Terrace and into a tunnel that leads into the Capitol. At about 3:05 p.m. that day, he entered the tunnel, documents allege.
While inside the tunnel, Johnston was handed a stolen U.S. Capitol police riot shield by other rioters, autorities say. He then participated with other rioters in a group push effort against the police in the tunnel, federal prosecutors contend.
Johnston, authorities say, then walked back toward the entrance of the tunnel before turning around and again participating in another group push, during which the crowd called, “HEAVE! HO!” as it moved against the police.
Johnston left the tunnel at 3:13 p.m. carrying another stolen U.S. Capitol Police riot shield, which he handed to another rioter as he left the tunnel, prosecutors allege.
Johnston voiced the character of pizzeria owner Jimmy Pesto Sr. in episodes of “Bob’s Burgers” during the Fox cartoon’s first 11 seasons. He was let go from the show in 2021 after it came to light that he’d apparently participated in the Capitol riot, according to published reports.
More than 1,450 individuals have been charged for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 500 charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony.
The investigation remains ongoing.