We’re sure the Bob’s Burgers character Jimmy Pesto Sr. is always getting asked about where he was on January 6 based on vibes alone, but it’s only his former voice actor who can answer in the affirmative.
Guilty plea expected
June 26, 2024: Bob’s Burgers actorJay Johnston is expected to plead guilty on June 8 for his involvement in the riots on the U.S. Capitol, according to dockets reviewed by NBC News justice reporter Ryan J. Reilly. The expected plea comes a little over a year after Johnston was arrested and charged with felony obstruction of officers and several misdemeanors for entering a tunnel of the Capitol, assisting other rioters, and using a stolen police shield while battling with police. Johnston’s involvement first came to light when the FBI posted a photo of the actor while seeking information about people who participated in the riot in 2021. Online sleuths immediately recognized him as a bit player in Anchorman and Arrested Development. Months later, Johnston was booted from Bob’s Burgers. This is history in the making.
“It was a mess.”
July 8, 2024: Johnston pleaded guilty to interfering with police officers at the U.S. Capitol riots on January 6, 2021. According to the Associated Press, the “estimated sentencing guidelines” for the Mr. Show alum recommend eight to 14 months of prison time, but he technically faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison. An FBI affidavit states that Johnston recorded rioters breaking through police barricades on his cell phone and held a stolen police shield over his head before passing it to other rioters.
In his plea agreement, Johnston 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 and I found it quite untastic.” He is scheduled to be sentenced in U.S. District Court on October 7.
