Comic actor from 'Anchorman', 'Bob's Burgers' pleads guilty in J6 case, faces 5 years in prison

Veteran comedian and actor Jay Johnston, who has landed roles on series such as "Bob's Burgers" and "Anchorman," pleaded guilty to charges from events of J6. He pleaded guilty to a felony offense of obstructing officers during a civil disorder. Johnston, 55, was arrested on June 6, 2023, after a complaint was filed against him just a few days beforehand, according to records from the Department of Justice. The complaint placed against him charged him with 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 NBC News, Johnston pleaded "guilty" when a judge read off the plea deal of the felony offense of obstructing officers during a civil disorder. He faces a maximum of five years in prison. US District Judge Carl Nichols scheduled Johnston's sentencing hearing on Oct. 7 and prosecutors have until Sept. 30 to hand in a sentencing memo. Johnston did not comment to reporters as he left the courthouse after the guilty plea, per CBS News.  

Johnson is alleged to have participated in an assault on officers at the Capitol building on J6. The comedian wrote in a text that even though the protest was not supposed to turn into an attack, he said that it turned out that way. He also added in the message that he "got maced and tear gassed" during the events.  

The comedian's movie credits include "Anchorman" as well as "Men in Black." He was a voice actor for "Bob's Burgers" and acted in "Arrested Development." The FBI has made more than 1,400 arrests since J6, leading to 1,000 convictions. Some of those who have been charged did not set foot in the Capitol building or have been handed obstruction of an official proceeding charges that have been incorrectly applied.