'Anchorman,' 'Bob's Burgers' actor pleads guilty to interfering with police on Jan. 6
Pictured: (l-r): Jay Johnston, Jimmy Kimmel, Sarah Silverman, Steve Agee, and Laura Silverman are pictured at the 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards held at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Phil McCarten/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images)
Jay Johnston, known for roles in "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy" and "Bob's Burgers," pleaded guilty Monday to interfering with police during the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Johnston, 55, from Los Angeles, admitted to a charge of civil disorder, a felony with a maximum sentence of five years in prison. His sentencing is set for Oct. 7 by U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols.
Johnston's plea agreement suggests a prison term of eight to 14 months, though the judge is not bound by these guidelines. Johnston's attorney, Stanley Woodward, advised him not to comment after the court hearing.
Jan. 6 involvement
Johnston is one of over 1,400 people charged in connection with the Jan. 6 riot. Video evidence shows him pushing against police and aiding rioters near the Lower West Terrace entrance, using a stolen police shield and signaling other rioters.
Johnston voiced Jimmy Pesto on "Bob's Burgers" and appeared on "Mr. Show with Bob and David." He also had roles in "Arrested Development" and "Anchorman."
Evidence from the scene
Court documents reveal Johnston recorded rioters and assisted others affected by chemical agents. He also joined rioters in pushing against police at the tunnel entrance.
Johnston was identified by three associates through FBI photos, one of whom shared a text message where Johnston acknowledged his presence at the Capitol, describing the event as a "mess" and admitting to being maced and tear-gassed.
Jay Johnston's guilty plea and upcoming sentencing mark another step in the ongoing legal actions against those involved in the Jan. 6 Capitol attack.
The Associated Press contributed to this story. It was reported from Los Angeles.