VENTURA, Calif. — An Ojai man who served in local professional and spiritual leadership roles faces multiple felony charges after being accused of committing continuous child sexual abuse against multiple young victims, public safety officials announced Wednesday.
The formal criminal complaint was announced by Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko following a detailed multi-jurisdictional investigation conducted by local law enforcement detectives.
The defendant, identified as 58-year-old David Johnson (born March 17, 1968) of Ojai, was formally arraigned in Ventura County Superior Court, where he entered a plea of not guilty to all pending felony counts and special allegations.
Allegations of Prolonged Abuse Across Multiple Cities
According to court filings and official investigative summaries released by the District Attorney's Office, Johnson worked professionally as both a community pastor and a licensed massage therapist.
Investigators allege that Johnson used a familial relationship to gain ongoing physical access to two children under the age of 14.
Over a multi-year period, Johnson allegedly subjected both minors to repeated acts of sexual abuse and lewd conduct. The alleged offenses occurred at private residences and community locations across both Ojai and Oxnard.
Following an in-depth investigation by specialized child abuse detectives, prosecutors filed a comprehensive six-count felony indictment charging Johnson with severe violations of the California Penal Code:
- Four Counts of PC 288(a): Lewd or Lascivious Act Upon a Child Under 14 Years of Age
- Two Counts of PC 288.5(a): Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child
Additionally, the District Attorney's Office filed two major sentencing enhancements and special allegations:
- PC 1203.066(a)(8): Substantial Sexual Conduct During Commission of the Offense
- PC 667.61(j)(2): One-Strike Sex Offenses Special Allegation (Victim Under Age 14)
Court Hearings, Prosecutorial Unit, and Ongoing Investigation
The prosecution (Case No. 2026023346 / Court No. 26CM100614) is being handled by Deputy District Attorney Cesar Ponce, an experienced trial prosecutor assigned to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Sexual Assault Unit.
Because Johnson held positions of trust within the community as a pastor and massage therapist, law enforcement authorities expressed serious concern that additional unreported victims may exist across Ventura County.
Detectives with the Ventura County Sheriff's Office are actively reviewing past client logs, ministerial contacts, and historical community interactions to identify any potential further criminal activity.
Members of the public who possess relevant information regarding this ongoing investigation or who suspect they or someone they know may have been victimized by David Johnson are urged to contact Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Detective Michael Loth at (805) 384-4745.
Community Awareness, Protecting Children, and Institutional Trust
Child sexual abuse cases involving trusted community figures present profound challenges for families, congregations, and law enforcement agencies alike. Individuals who occupy roles as pastors, counselors, or healthcare providers inherently hold high levels of perceived authority, respect, and influence within local communities. When bad actors exploit positions of trust or familial bonds to gain unsupervised access to vulnerable minors, the resulting harm inflicts deep physical and psychological trauma on victims and their families.
Public safety leaders emphasize that preventing child exploitation requires vigilant oversight, open communication, and proactive reporting. Parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to maintain clear boundaries regarding adults who seek isolated, unmonitored time with children. Additionally, recognizing physical or behavioral warning signs—such as sudden changes in mood, sleep disturbances, or uncharacteristic anxiety around specific adults—can prove critical in identifying abuse early.
Law enforcement agencies and victim advocacy organizations stress that every report of suspected child abuse is taken seriously and investigated thoroughly. Multi-agency task forces, specialized prosecution units, and forensic medical teams work collaboratively to ensure victims receive trauma-informed support while prosecutors pursue maximum legal accountability for perpetrators.
Johnson remains held in custody without bail at the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Ventura. A formal bail review hearing is scheduled for Friday, August 28, 2026, in the Ventura County Superior Court.
Media inquiries regarding the prosecution can be directed to District Attorney Communications Manager Joey Buttitta at (805) 767-3400 or via email at Joey.Buttitta@venturacounty.gov. Official court updates are accessible through the Ventura County District Attorney's Office portal.