MAGA Pastor David Johnson Who Targeted LGBTQ Community Over Child 'Grooming' Claims Arrested on Six Child Molestation Charges

An Ojai pastor who spent years posting online about children, education and LGBTQ-related issues has been arrested and charged with six felony child sex abuse offences.

David Johnson, 58, a former pastor at Live Oak Christian Fellowship, was arrested on 24 August 2026 and accused of abusing two children under the age of 14, according to the Ventura County District Attorney's Office. Johnson pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Prosecutors allege the offences occurred over several years in Ojai and Oxnard. Investigators believe there may be additional victims and are asking anyone with relevant information to come forward.

What Johnson Is Charged With

The Ventura County District Attorney's Office has charged Johnson with four counts of lewd acts upon a child and two counts of continuous sexual abuse.

The charges also include special allegations concerning substantial sexual conduct and the alleged ages of the victims.

According to prosecutors, Johnson knew the children through a familial relationship. The charging allegations concern conduct that prosecutors say occurred over a period of several years.

Johnson, who has worked as both a pastor and a licensed massage therapist, was arrested by the Ventura County Sheriff's Office at Libbey Park in Ojai during a scheduled child custody exchange.

According to reporting by the Ojai Valley News, deputies arrested Johnson without incident while his estranged wife, Tana Johnson, was interviewed separately at the Ojai Police Station.

Johnson was arraigned in Ventura County Superior Court and pleaded not guilty. He remains in custody without bail and is due to return to court for a bail review hearing on 28 August.

Years of Political and Social Commentary

Johnson's public Facebook activity includes posts in which he expressed opposition to some LGBTQ-related issues involving children, schools and public events.

In a post dated 30 November 2022, Johnson wrote about people being allowed to be around young people and called for what he described as total education reform.

He also commented on drag events involving families. In March 2023, he shared a report about New York's attorney general hosting a drag queen story hour and questioned whether the event was federally funded.

In another post from 2019, Johnson shared an article concerning a school district and a transgender child, describing the situation as a nightmare.

The posts reflect Johnson's own political and social views and are separate from the criminal allegations against him.

His Facebook activity also showed support for Donald Trump. In 2020, Johnson shared posts about a Trump parade through the Ojai Valley and expressed confidence that Trump would win California. Other posts included prayers and messages supporting the former president.

How the Investigation Began

Court records reviewed by the Ojai Valley News indicate that Tana Johnson sought a domestic violence restraining order against her husband on 11 June 2026 and separately raised concerns with child protection authorities.

She later contacted the Ventura County Sheriff's Office, which began an investigation that ultimately led to Johnson's arrest.

The Sheriff's Office has said investigators have evidence supporting the felony charges but has not disclosed details of that evidence while the investigation remains ongoing.

Detective Michael Loth told the Ojai Valley News that investigators were also conducting interviews connected to Johnson's previous employment. Authorities have said the investigation currently involves three identified victims.

Investigators Seek Additional Information

The Ventura County Sheriff's Office is seeking information that could help investigators determine whether there are additional victims or whether other relevant incidents have gone unreported.

Anyone with information about Johnson or conduct they believe may be relevant to the investigation is asked to contact Detective Michael Loth of the Ventura County Sheriff's Office at (805) 384-4745.

Johnson had previously maintained a public profile in the Ojai community through his work as a pastor and participation in local events.

He has been involved in ceremonies connected with Wreaths Across America, which honours military veterans, and has appeared at events associated with Nordhoff Cemetery. Local reporting has also described him as a home-schooling father.

As of press time, Johnson remained in custody while the criminal proceedings continued.

The charges against Johnson are allegations. He has pleaded not guilty and is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

This is a developing story. Anyone with information relevant to the investigation is urged to contact Ventura County Sheriff's Office Detective Michael Loth at (805) 384-4745.