A pastor from California, also a massage therapist, has entered a plea of not guilty to charges of molesting two children under 14, according to prosecutors. David Johnson, 58, of Ojai, is currently facing six felony charges for child molestation in Ventura County.
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office is investigating the case and is seeking other potential victims. They have requested that anyone with information about Johnson or related crimes come forward. Johnson allegedly molested the children over several years in areas including Ojai and Oxnard.
Authorities stated Johnson used a familial connection to access the children. Though he faces several charges, the children involved have not been publicly identified. Johnson’s charges include four felony counts related to committing lewd acts and two counts of continuous sexual abuse. Special allegations cite both the substantial sexual conduct and the victims’ young ages, being under 14.
Johnson was arrested on Monday by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office on these charges. Records indicate his arrest occurred shortly before 3 p.m., with him being booked into Ventura County Main Jail that evening. At his arraignment in Ventura County Superior Court, he pleaded not guilty to the charges. He remains in custody without bail, and a bail review hearing is scheduled for Friday in the same court.
Deputy District Attorney Cesar Ponce, from the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Sexual Assault Unit, is leading the prosecution. Investigators have yet to estimate how many more victims there might be. The district attorney’s office has urged anyone with relevant information to contact Detective Michael Loth of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office at 805-384-4745.
Fox News Digital has contacted the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office for further details. Brittany Miller, a breaking news writer and Syracuse University graduate, reported the story.