California Pastor Accused of Abusing Children He 'Had Access To' Through 'A Familial Relationship'

A California pastor and massage therapist has been charged with child molestation after investigators said he abused two children over several years. David Johnson, 58, of Ojai, faces six felony counts and prosecutors suspect there could be more victims.

The news came after the Ventura County District Attorney's Office announced the charges in a Wednesday, August 26, news release. Johnson is accused of abusing two children he 'had access to' through 'a familial relationship,' according to prosecutors.

Charges Detail Years of Alleged Abuse in Ojai and Oxnard

Johnson faces four counts of lewd acts upon a child and two counts of continuous sexual abuse, along with special allegations of substantial sexual conduct and that the victims were under 14 years old.

The alleged abuse occurred in Ojai and Oxnard over a multi-year period, with court filings reviewed by local media indicating the conduct took place between 2013 and 2015.

He was arrested on Monday, August 24, in Libbey Park, Ventura County Sheriff's Office Detective Michael Loth confirmed to the Ojai Valley News. Johnson pleaded not guilty to all charges during his arraignment in Ventura County Superior Court and remains in custody without bail ahead of a bail review hearing scheduled for Friday, August 28.

At the arraignment, his attorney Bryan Clifton described Johnson as a 'pillar of the community for an extended period of time,' according to the Ojai Valley News.

Clifton added that the 'allegations are severe, but a lot of this is old,' the newspaper reported. A judge issued a 'no contact' order banning Johnson from contact with seven people.

Former Live Oak Christian Fellowship Pastor Held Without Bail

For context, the Ventura County District Attorney's Office said investigators suspect there are potentially more victims, which is why they are urging anyone with information to come forward.

The dual roles of pastor and massage therapist gave Johnson access to children through a familial relationship, prosecutors said.

Johnson was a former pastor at Live Oak Christian Fellowship, a non-denominational church in Oak View that is no longer operating, the Ojai Valley News reported. The district attorney's office did not specify where he worked as a massage therapist.

Authorities are encouraging anyone with information about the alleged abuse or other potential victims to come forward. 'If you believe you have information about this case or possible other unreported crimes Johnson may have committed, please contact Ventura County Sheriff's Office Detective Michael Loth at (805) 384-4745,' the district attorney's office said.

The charges carry special allegations that could affect sentencing if convictions are secured. IBTimes UK cannot independently verify these claims beyond the court filings and official statements, so take everything lightly until the case proceeds.

Detective Loth has been leading the investigation and confirmed the arrest details to local media. Johnson's next court date is set for August 28, when a bail review will be considered.

Online records viewed by multiple outlets confirm Johnson was booked on Monday and is being held without bail. The case number is 2026023346, according to the charging document released by the district attorney.

It's a grim reminder of how abuse can hide behind trusted roles. And yet, the system moves slowly, years after the alleged conduct, the machinery of justice is only now grinding forward.