Actor Jay Johnston Pleads Guilty in US Capitol Riot

Jay Johnston , a well - known actor from shows like Bobs Burgers and Arrested Development , has pleaded guilty to charges related to his involvement in the storming of the United States Capitol in January 2021 . The 54 - year - old actor could face up to five years in prison after admitting to a felony count of civil disorder . Johnston was released on a 5,000 bond following his court appearance in California in June 2023.

Johnston was accused of participating in the riot by obstructing officers , illegally entering restricted buildings , and impeding passage through Capitol grounds . According to court documents , he was seen in a video taking a shield from an officer and pushing back law enforcement during the attack on the Capitol . Additionally , Johnston was reported to have signaled for other rioters to follow him towards the entrance of the tunnel , where the chaos unfolded.

 Airline records revealed that Johnston flew from Los Angeles to Washington DC for the event , further implicating his involvement in the riot.

Three associates of Johnston identified him from FBI photos , and one provided investigators with text messages in which Johnston admitted to being present at the Capitol on January 6 . The evidence against Johnston led to his guilty plea and upcoming sentencing on October 7 before US District Judge Carl Nichols.

Texas Woman Pleads Guilty to Capitol Assault

In a separate case , a Texas woman named Dana Jean Bell pleaded guilty to assaulting a Metropolitan police department officer during the Capitol riot . Bell , 65 , was captured on video inside the Capitol cursing at officers and grabbing a baton from one of them . She was also seen assaulting a local journalist outside the Capitol on the same day . Bell faces a maximum sentence of eight years in prison , with her sentencing scheduled for October 17 before US District Judge Timothy Kelly.

The incidents involving Jay Johnston and Dana Jean Bell are just two examples of the many prosecutions resulting from the January 6 riot at the US Capitol . The FBI has reported that over 1,000 individuals have been convicted or pleaded guilty to federal crimes related to the attack , with sentences ranging from seven days to 18 years in prison . The aftermath of the riot continues to unfold as more individuals are held accountable for their actions on that fateful day.