According to his lawyer, Johnston “was subsequently dropped from several projects and has been effectively blacklisted by the entertainment industry” due to his actions on January 6.
Actor Jay Johnston has been sentenced to one year in prison for his role in the January 6 Capitol riot, as documented in court records.
The 56-year-old, who is recognized for his performances in “Bob’s Burgers,” “Arrested Development,” and other comedic shows, received his sentence on Monday.
He pleaded guilty in July to a felony charge of obstructing officers during a civil disturbance, according to documents retrieved by YSL News.
After completing his sentence, Johnston will undergo 24 months of supervised release. He has also been ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution and a $100 special assessment.
Johnston was arrested in Los Angeles in June 2023, facing charges that included civil disorder, entering or remaining in a restricted area, and disorderly conduct in a restricted area, according to previous reports from YSL News.
These charges were ultimately dismissed, as outlined in court documents.
What were Johnston’s actions on January 6?
In 2023, Johnston along with several associates faced charges relating to civil disorder, disorderly conduct in a restricted area, and obstructing passage through the Capitol grounds.
According to a statement of facts obtained by YSL News, the FBI interviewed “three current and former associates” of Johnston, who recognized him from video footage taken during the riot, including public videos and police body cameras.
Reports indicate that Johnston was seen pushing against police and assisting other rioters at the Capitol entrance.
Prosecutors revealed that Johnston’s actions resulted in “bodily injury” to a police officer, as outlined in the plea agreement from June.
The statement also mentioned that one associate gave the FBI text messages from Johnston, in which he claimed the event was misrepresented in the news. He wrote: “It was a mess. Got maced and tear gassed,” according to the document.
United Airlines records showed that Johnston booked a round-trip flight to Washington, D.C., departing on January 4 and returning on January 7, 2021, according to the FBI.
Johnston requested leniency
Since the Capitol Insurrection in 2021, Johnston has struggled to find acting work, as mentioned in the sentencing memorandum filed by his attorney and obtained by YSL News. He has been working as a “handyman” for the past two years.
His attorney noted that Johnston “has been dropped from various projects and has essentially been blacklisted by the film and television industry.”
The memorandum emphasized Johnston’s role as a parent to his autistic daughter, stating that he is “the most stable caregiver in her life and provides her with the structure she needs to thrive.”
Due to his declining career and responsibilities towards his daughter, his attorney requested the court to consider a lighter sentence of four to ten months instead of the 18 months recommended by the plaintiffs.
What roles has Johnston played in acting?
According to IMDB, Johnston has appeared in the following roles:
- Bob’s Burgers – Jimmy Pesto
- Arrested Development – Officer Taylor
- Mr. Pickles – Mr. Goodman
- The Sarah Silverman Program – Officer Jay McPherson
- Moral Oral – Principal Fakey and various other roles
Additionally, he has appeared in “Better Call Saul,” “Modern Family,” “Rick and Morty,” and more.
