Full Breakdown
Pastor Tony Spell Arrested After Alleged Assault Citing Biblical Scripture
6/26/2026, 1:55:33 AM
Incident Overview
On June 23 2026, Pastor Tony Spell of Life Tabernacle Church in Central, Louisiana, was arrested by the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office on a second-degree battery charge. Surveillance video shows Spell crossing Hooper Road and striking the 20-year-old neighbor after the man shouted a profanity. The victim required five stitches to his chin and other injuries. Spell was booked, posted a $25,000 bond, and was released the same day.
Key Figures & Background
Key individuals include Tony Spell, a 48-year-old pastor with prior aggravated-assault and COVID-19 citation; Scott Sherwin, father of the alleged victim and long-time adversary; attorney Jeffrey Wittenbrink, who cites law-enforcement gaps; Central Police Chief Roger Corcoran, who says his department was not the primary investigator; and the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, which conducted the investigation and made the arrest.
Timeline
On June 22 2026 Spell reported verbal harassment and alleged threats of rape and murder. The next day, about 11 a.m., he crossed Hooper Road and struck the neighbor, an encounter captured on video. He was arrested that day, charged with second-degree battery and posted bond. On June 24 he held a press conference, citing Mark 16:18 and calling the incident “domestic terrorism.” A court appearance is set for September 15 2026.
Legal and Police Responses
The Central Police Department said the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation and arrest, noting only five recorded incidents involving Spell or his wife in four years, with one complaint against the neighbors. Chief Corcoran offered to audit recordings if complaint dates are supplied. The sheriff’s office has not commented publicly.
Community and Opposing Views
Sherwin’s father denied Spell’s threat allegations, saying his son never made them. Attendees, including community member Christy Sloan, expressed uncertainty about the dispute’s full scope. Attorney Wittenbrink criticized perceived law-enforcement failures, citing a legal “gap” that permitted the confrontation.
Evidence and Discrepancies
Family-released video shows Spell initiating contact and delivering multiple blows; Spell’s account relies on verbal threats lacking audio evidence. Police records note only one formal complaint against the neighbor, contrary to Spell’s claim of repeated harassment.
Verbatim Quotes
- “In my name, they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover,” — Tony Spell, sermon
- “I have a duty and obligation to do what I did,” — Tony Spell, pastor
- “Allegations that the Central Police Department has failed to investigate complaints lodged by Pastor or Mrs.” — Roger Corcoran, Police Chief
- “They don’t like the church; they made that clear,” — Jeffrey Wittenbrink, attorney
What’s Next
Spell is scheduled to appear in court on September 15 2026. The Central Police Department has offered to audit its call logs if specific complaint dates are provided, and the sheriff’s office continues its investigation.
