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‘Bob’s Burgers’ actor Jay Johnston sentenced to a year in prison for role in Jan. 6

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'Bob's Burgers' actor Jay Johnston sentenced to a year in prison for role in Jan. 6
WASHINGTON —

As a long-time admirer of Jay Johnston’s comedic talent and versatile acting skills, it is truly disheartening to see him face such dire consequences for his actions during the Capitol riot. It seems that his life experience has been a double-edged sword; while he has brought laughter and joy to countless people through his roles in “Bob’s Burgers,” “Arrested Development,” and other iconic productions, his involvement in this tragic event has tarnished his reputation and caused significant personal hardship.

A well-recognized actor, famed for his appearances in TV sitcoms like “Bob’s Burgers” and “Arrested Development,” was given a one-year prison sentence on Monday, stemming from his involvement in the violent demonstration at the U.S. Capitol over three years past.

56-year-old Jay Johnston from Los Angeles participated alongside other protesters in a collective effort to shove police officers stationed at an entrance to the Capitol tunnel during the January 6, 2021 riot. According to the prosecution, Johnston also made light of the situation and engaged with fellow rioters while using his phone to document the surrounding chaos.

On January 6th, Johnston apologized for unintentionally creating obstacles for the law enforcement officials in performing their duties. He shared that he hadn’t anticipated the occurrence of a riot on that particular day.

He explained to U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols, “It was due to my lack of knowledge that I find myself in this situation. If I had possessed a greater understanding of politics, I might have foreseen it.

The judge who imposed a sentence of one year and one day in prison on Johnston, granted him the freedom to leave after the trial, with the condition to report to prison at a later undetermined date. Nichols acknowledged that Johnston would unfortunately be unable to care for his 13-year-old autistic daughter during his imprisonment.

“But his conduct on January 6th was quite problematic. Reprehensible, really,” the judge said.

In July, Johnston admitted to obstructing law enforcement officials during a public disturbance, an act that could potentially result in a five-year imprisonment, as it is classified as a felony.

The prosecutors suggested that Johnston be imprisoned for 18 months. In their sentencing document, they included a picture of Johnston grinning while dressed up as Jacob Chansley, also known as the “QAnon Shaman,” at a Halloween event about two years following the Capitol riot.

Prosecutors stated that he finds humor in the idea that his involvement in a grave offense threatening our democracy is merely a jest.

Johnston, in the animated series “Bob’s Burgers”, took on the role of Jimmy Pesto Sr., the pizzeria owner; he portrayed a police officer in “Arrested Development”; and in the movie “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy,” he played a street-fighting newsman. Additionally, Johnston made an appearance on “Mr. Show With Bob and David,” an HBO comedy series that featured Bob Odenkirk and David Cross as stars.

As a passionate film enthusiast hailing from Chicago, I made the bold move to Los Angeles back in 1993, with dreams of breaking into acting. Unfortunately, following the unrest that transpired, my employment by the creator of “Bob’s Burgers” was terminated. This setback also led to losing a role in a film adaptation of the show and left me effectively blacklisted within Hollywood, as described by my legal representative, Stanley Woodward.

Instead, for the past two years, Mr. Johnston has been working as a handy man, a significant departure from his background in films and television, according to Woodward’s statement.

Woodward suggested that the government may have overstated Johnston’s involvement in the riots, possibly due to his high-profile status as a well-known Hollywood actor.

On January 6, Johnston was present at then-President Trump’s “Stop the Steal” gathering close to the White House. Afterward, he joined the crowd that proceeded towards the Capitol. To get to the Capitol’s West Plaza, he climbed a stone wall using a metal bike rack. He then approached the tunnel entrance on the Lower West Terrace which was being watched by police, where he was eventually located.

In the shadow of the archway, I’d turn around and wave enthusiastically to my fellow protesters, inviting them to stand with me against the police forces. This is as reported by the legal team.

Inside the tunnel, Johnston assisted fellow rioters in clearing irritating chemicals from their eyes. Another rioter presented him with a stolen police shield, which he passed towards the police line. Later, Johnston joined other rioters in a synchronized push against the police within the tunnel. This coordinated action allegedly caused an officer to be pinned against a door frame by the force, according to prosecutors.

In the tunnel during the riots, Johnston joked about changing the light bulbs while rioters moved an orange ladder towards the police, humorously stating, “We’re here to mend the lights!

The following day after the riot, Johnston admitted via text that he was present at the Capitol on January 6th.

Johnston wrote that the media portrayed it as an attack, but it wasn’t. Things got out of hand and it eventually took on that nature. In reality, it was just a chaotic situation.

FBI agents seized Johnston’s cellphone when they searched his California home in June 2021.

Approximately 1,500 individuals have faced federal charges for their involvement in the Capitol riot, and over 1,000 of these individuals have been found guilty and sentenced. Out of this group, about 650 have received prison sentences, with durations varying from a handful of days to a maximum of 22 years.

Kunzelman writes for the Associated Press.

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2024-10-29 19:01

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