TV Cop Sentenced To Prison For Attack On The Capitol

LOS ANGELES, CA — A comedic actor known for playing a cop on “Arrested Development” was sentenced to federal prison Monday for his role combating Capitol police during the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Jay Johnston, 56, of Los Angeles pleaded guilty to one felony count of civil disorder, according to documents filed in federal court in the District of Columbia. One of the more recognizable insurrectionists due to his TV work, Johnston turned himself into the FBI in July of 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Johnston is best known for his working voicing a character in “Bob’s Burgers” and his television roles including “Arrested Development” and most recently “Better Call Saul.”

According to prosecutors, Johnston was near the front of the mob amassed on the West Plaza of the United States Capitol Building, and helped the crowd push police into the Lower West Terrace tunnel that leads into the Capitol Building.

“Law enforcement officers had formed a protective line with riot shields inside the tunnel in an effort to defend the entrance to the U.S. Capitol,” the Justice Department announced in a written statement. “While inside the tunnel, Johnston was handed a stolen U.S. Capitol police riot shield by other rioters. Johnston then participated with other rioters in a group push effort against the police in the tunnel. Johnston then walked back toward the entrance of the tunnel before turning around and again participating in another group push effort, during which the crowd called, “HEAVE! HO!” as it pushed against the police.”

Prosecutors alleged in court documents that videos show Johnston holding the shield and moving it forward as other rioters called for a “shield wall” to be made.

“Johnston then participated with other rioters in a group assault on the officers defending the LWT entrance,” according to the affidavit. “Specifically, several members of the crowd joined together to push against police in a concerted movement. Johnston participated in this concerted movement and pushed along with other rioters for several seconds.”

Johnston had 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 participated in the Capitol riot, according to published reports.

Like all Capitol breach arrests, the case was handled in the District of Columbia.

During the Capitol siege, more than 140 police officers were assaulted, including more than 80 from the U.S. Capitol Police and over 60 from the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department. The Capitol building itself suffered damage, and government property was destroyed or stolen during the attack.

Current estimates are that losses arising from the Capitol siege exceed $2.8 million. In total, approximately 1,532 individuals have been charged criminally in federal court as of Oct. 6, according to federal prosecutors.

City News Service contributed to this report.