CNN —
The actor known for his roles on “Arrested Development” and “Bob’s Burgers” was sentenced Monday to one year and one day in prison for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. .
Jay James Johnston, 55, is accused of joining the mob in the Capitol’s Lower West Square during the riot and filming himself with a cellphone. He pleaded guilty in July to one felony count of insurrection.
Prosecutors also claimed Johnston filmed from atop a stage set up for Joe Biden’s inauguration. Johnston also briefly held a stolen police riot shield and participated in a group effort to attack police guarding the entrance to the Capitol, according to court documents.
Prosecutors said Johnston “participated in a mob push against police inside the tunnel, causing a Metropolitan Police officer to be crushed between the crowd and the door.”
The Justice Department had asked the judge to sentence Johnston to 18 months in prison, saying he showed no remorse or accepted responsibility for his actions.
Investigators said Johnston initially downplayed the brawl in a text message to a colleague shortly after January 6, writing: Actually that wasn’t the case. ”
His lawyer said prosecutors had “consistently exaggerated” Johnston’s role in the attack, adding: “Mr. Johnston is a prominent Hollywood actor and the government has used his status to make its case to the public. He asked the judge to impose a lighter sentence.
Johnston was also ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution.
