Full Breakdown
Ojai Pastor and Massage Therapist Charged with Six Felony Child-Molestation Counts
8/28/2026, 2:33:02 AM
Charges and Allegations
Ventura County District Attorney’s Office prosecutors have filed six felony child-molestation counts against 58-year-old David Johnson of Ojai, California. The indictment includes four counts of lewd acts upon a child and two counts of continuous sexual abuse, together with special allegations of substantial sexual conduct involving victims who were under 14 years old at the time of the alleged abuse. Johnson is accused of molesting two children under the age of 14 over a span of several years, with court filings indicating the abuse occurred between 2013 and 2015. The alleged incidents took place at locations in Ojai and Oxnard, and prosecutors say Johnson gained access to the children through a familial relationship.
Background and Prior Roles
Johnson worked both as a pastor and as a licensed massage therapist. He previously served as pastor of Live Oak Christian Fellowship, a non-denominational church in Oak View that is no longer operating. The dual professional roles gave him regular contact with families in the community, which prosecutors allege he exploited to gain access to the victims.
Timeline of Legal Proceedings
- August 24 (occurred) – Ventura County Sheriff’s Office detectives apprehended Johnson in Libbey Park, and he was booked into the Ventura County Main Jail.
- August 26 (occurred) – The district attorney’s office issued a news release stating that investigators suspect additional, as-yet-unidentified victims and urged the public to provide any information.
- August 28 (scheduled) – A bail-review hearing is set for Johnson, who remains in custody without bail.
Official Response and Ongoing Investigation
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office has publicly requested that anyone with knowledge of the case or of other possible unreported crimes involving Johnson contact Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Detective Michael Loth at 384-4745. The office emphasized that the investigation remains active and that authorities are “looking for possible additional victims.” No further comment from the district attorney or other officials was provided in the available releases.
Potential Additional Victims
All sources note that investigators have not identified the two alleged victims publicly and that the number of possible additional victims is unknown. The district attorney’s office’s August 26 announcement specifically called for community assistance, indicating that the scope of the alleged abuse may extend beyond the two children already charged.
Data Summary
- Defendant: David Johnson, 58, Ojai, CA
- Charges: 6 felony counts (4 lewd acts upon a child, 2 continuous sexual abuse) plus special allegations of substantial sexual conduct and victims under 14
- Alleged victims: 2 children (under 14)
- Timeframe of alleged abuse: 2013-2015
- Locations: Ojai and Oxnard, California
- Custody status: Held without bail; bail-review hearing scheduled for August 28
What’s Next
The upcoming bail-review hearing on August 28 will determine whether Johnson’s pre-trial detention conditions change. The district attorney’s office will continue to seek information from the public as the investigation proceeds, and any new leads could result in additional charges if further victims are identified.
