Jay Johnston, known for roles in 'Bob's Burgers', pleaded guilty to interfering with police during the Capitol riot, proving once again that even cartoon voices can end up seriously out of tune with the law.

Johnston, easily recognizable for his comedic roles but now infamous for his role in the January 6 riot, admitted to a felony count of civil disorder. Captured on video shoving against police and aiding fellow rioters with a stolen shield, Johnston's actions have not only landed him a potential five-year prison sentence but also an early exit from 'Bob's Burgers'. His sentencing is set for October 7, 2024, marking a fall from animated grace to very real disgrace.

The details of Johnston's involvement in the antics of January 6 make for grim reading. Our beloved Jimmy Pesto from 'Bob's Burgers' was caught on camera not grilling burgers but pushing against police at the Lower West Terrace tunnel of the Capitol. Given the choice between sweetly insulting Bob Belcher or participating in a violent attack, Johnston seemed to have picked the latter.

In the chaos of the riot, Johnston was part of a group utilizing a stolen police shield to push back against law enforcement. He didn't just stand by, either; video footage showed him lending what might be called a 'helping hand' to other rioters, and he was seen assisting others who had been tear-gassed, a less glamorous form of hospitality than we're used to seeing from him.

Johnston’s actions on that fateful day did not go unnoticed. He was fingered by three current or former associates who recognized him from FBI photos. Johnston’s own words, sent in a text to an associate, revealed his attempt to downplay the chaos. 'The news has presented it as an attack,' he texted, adding his unique blend of detached humor and denial, 'It actually wasn’t. Thought it kind of turned into that. It was a mess. Got maced and tear gassed and I found it quite untastic.'

While his sardonic description might have fit well in a comedy script, the reality wasn't so jovial. The riot led to the unfortunate injuries of 140 police officers. It was an event marking one of the darkest days in recent American history, one that sought to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power following the 2020 presidential election.

Johnston now finds himself among a throng of more than 1,400 individuals charged with federal offenses in connection with the January 6 riot. His plea of guilty to civil disorder comes with the possibility of spending up to five years in a considerably less animated environment.

Adding salt to the wound, Johnston's participation in the events of January 6 had an immediate impact on his acting career. His character on 'Bob’s Burgers,' the boisterously competitive Jimmy Pesto, was swiftly written off the show. This move by the show’s producers seemed to underline a clear message: there was no place for riotous behavior in their animated neighborhood.

Johnston’s involvement in the January 6 Capitol riot has had serious consequences. He has pleaded guilty to one felony count of civil disorder for interfering with police during the riot, a situation that’s certainly not his best acting role.

As Johnston awaits his sentencing, slated for October 7, 2024, he sits at a crossroads between potential redemption and prolonged disgrace. His courtroom appearance before U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols will determine whether he trades his microphone for a prison bed, joining the hundreds of others convicted for their roles in the Capitol riot.

The FBI's dedication to tracking down January 6 participants has resulted in more than 1,400 arrests and over 1,000 convictions. Johnston’s case serves as just one chapter in the extensive accountability process that continues to unfold—an ongoing saga that might one day have its own box set.

'Bob's Burgers' might have lost one of its staple voices, but the incident underscores an unflinching reality: no matter how colorful or humorous one's character might be, the law demands each person account for their actions, both on-screen and off.