Title: Actor Pleads Guilty to Interfering with Police during Capitol Attack
Introduction:
An actor known for his roles in “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy” and “Bob’s Burgers” has pleaded guilty to interfering with police officers during the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Jay Johnston, 55, faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison after admitting to civil disorder, a felony. Let’s delve deeper into the case and the actor’s involvement in the event.
1. Jay Johnston’s Guilty Plea and Potential Sentencing:
Jay Johnston, a resident of Los Angeles, pleaded guilty to interfering with police officers during the Capitol attack. U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols will sentence him on October 7. While the estimated sentencing guidelines suggest a prison term of eight to 14 months, the judge has the discretion to deviate from this recommendation.
2. Johnston’s Role in the Attack:
Video footage shows Johnston pushing against police and assisting rioters who attacked officers guarding an entrance to the Capitol. He was captured holding a stolen police shield and passing it to other rioters during the attack. Johnston’s close proximity to the tunnel entrance allowed him to signal other rioters to join in the assault.
3. Johnston’s Acting Career and Fallout:
Known for his voice work on “Bob’s Burgers” and appearances on “Mr. Show with Bob and David,” Johnston faced professional consequences following his involvement in the Capitol attack. The Daily Beast reported that he was “banned” from the animated show after the incident, indicating the severity of his actions.
4. Additional Evidence Supporting Johnston’s Involvement:
Johnston’s plea agreement revealed that he used his cellphone to record rioters breaking through barricades and sent police officers retreating. Witnesses, including three of Johnston’s associates, identified him as a riot suspect from photos published by the FBI. The agency also obtained a text message in which Johnston admitted being at the Capitol on January 6.
5. Texas Woman’s Guilty Plea for Assaulting Police Officer:
In a separate case related to the Capitol attack, a Texas woman named Dana Jean Bell pleaded guilty to assaulting a Metropolitan Police Department officer. Video evidence captured her cursing at officers and grabbing an officer’s baton inside the Capitol. Bell also assaulted a local television journalist outside the building. She faces a maximum sentence of eight years in prison.
Conclusion:
Jay Johnston’s guilty plea for interfering with police officers during the Capitol attack highlights the involvement of individuals from various backgrounds in the incident. The consequences for Johnston’s actions extend beyond the legal realm, as he faced professional fallout following his arrest. With both Johnston and Bell pleading guilty, they await sentencing, which will determine the extent of their punishment for their roles in the January 6 events.
