David Johnson, a 58-year-old California pastor and massage therapist, has pleaded not guilty to six felony child molestation charges involving two children under 14. Prosecutors allege the abuse occurred over several years at locations in Ojai and Oxnard. Johnson was arrested Monday and remains in custody without bail. Investigators are asking anyone with information about Johnson or possible unreported crimes to come forward.
| 1) | Charges involve two children under 14 |
| 2) | Alleged abuse occurred in Ojai and Oxnard |
| 3) | Defendant remains jailed without bail |
| 4) | Authorities seek information about possible victims |
| 5) | Case is being prosecuted by the sexual assault unit |
Charges involve two children under 14
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office alleges that David Johnson molested two children who were younger than 14 at the time of the alleged offenses. The children have not been publicly identified. Johnson faces four felony counts of committing a lewd act upon a child and two felony counts of continuous sexual abuse.
Prosecutors have also filed special allegations involving substantial sexual conduct and the ages of the alleged victims. The charges remain allegations, and Johnson pleaded not guilty during his arraignment in Ventura County Superior Court.
Alleged abuse occurred in Ojai and Oxnard
According to prosecutors, the alleged abuse took place over several years at locations in Ojai and Oxnard, communities in Ventura County. Authorities say Johnson had access to the children through a familial relationship. His work as a pastor and massage therapist was also identified as part of his background.
Investigators have not publicly disclosed the specific locations, dates, or circumstances of the alleged incidents. They also have not released the identities of the children or described how the allegations came to the attention of authorities.
Defendant remains jailed without bail
David Johnson was arrested Monday by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. Inmate records indicate that he was taken into custody shortly before 3 p.m. and booked into the Ventura County Main Jail later that evening.
Johnson appeared in court for arraignment and denied all six charges. He remains in custody without bail and is scheduled to return to Ventura County Superior Court on Friday for a bail review hearing. The court process will determine the next steps in the criminal case.
Authorities seek information about possible victims
Investigators are seeking information that could identify additional victims or reveal other crimes that may not have been reported. Officials have not said how many additional victims they believe there could be, but they are asking people who may have relevant information to contact authorities.
Anyone with information about Johnson or possible unreported crimes involving him is asked to contact Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Detective Michael Loth at 805-384-4745. The request is intended to help investigators assess whether the allegations involve conduct beyond the two children named in the charges.
Case is being prosecuted by the sexual assault unit
Deputy District Attorney Cesar Ponce of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Sexual Assault Unit is prosecuting the case. The unit is handling the felony allegations as the sheriff’s office continues its investigation.
The charges cover alleged conduct spanning several years, but prosecutors have not publicly provided a complete timeline. Johnson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court, and the allegations will be tested through the judicial process.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Johnson faces six felony charges involving two children under 14. |
| 2 | The alleged abuse reportedly occurred over several years in Ojai and Oxnard. |
| 3 | He pleaded not guilty and remains held without bail. |
| 4 | Investigators are seeking information about possible additional victims or unreported crimes. |
Summary
The case against David Johnson involves six felony allegations concerning two children under 14 and alleged conduct in two Ventura County communities. Johnson has denied the charges and remains jailed pending a bail review. Authorities continue to seek information that could clarify the scope of the investigation and identify any additional victims.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges does David Johnson face?
He faces four felony counts of committing a lewd act upon a child and two felony counts of continuous sexual abuse, along with special allegations related to the case.
Where did the alleged abuse occur?
Prosecutors said the alleged abuse occurred over several years at locations in Ojai and Oxnard, California.
What should people do if they have information?
People with information about Johnson or possible unreported crimes involving him are asked to contact Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Detective Michael Loth at 805-384-4745.
