CHICAGO (CBS/AP) — Actor and Chicago native Jay Johnston will spend a year in prison for his role in the January 6, 2021 US Capitol Insurrection.
Johnston pleaded guilty in July to a misdemeanor charge of obstructing officers during a civil disorder.
He asked for leniency, saying he was fired from the animated series “Bob’s Burgers” and has been unable to find work since his arrest.
But a judge said Johnston showed no remorse for his actions.
Johnston played a street-fighting reporter in the movie “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy” and pizzeria owner Jimmy Pesto Sr. in ‘Bob’s Burgers’.
The FBI alleges video captured Johnston resisting police and aiding rioters who attacked officers guarding the Capitol entrance in a tunnel on the Lower West Terrace, according to an FBI agent’s affidavit. Johnston held a stolen police shield over his head and gave it to other rioters during the attack on Jan. 6, 2021, the affidavit said.
Prosecutors said Johnson was caught on video pushing against police officers and “assisting other rioters” at a Capitol entrance known as “the tunnel.”
Johnston began his comedy career doing improv at The Second City and Annoyance Theater in Chicago before moving to Los Angeles.
In addition to “Anchorman” and “Bob’s Burgers,” Johnston has also had roles in “Mr. Show with Bob and David’, ‘Better Call Saul’, ‘Arrested Development’ and ‘Moral Orel’.
