A California pastor and massage therapist has pleaded not guilty to six felony child molestation charges in Ventura County. David Johnson, 58, of Ojai, is accused of molesting two children who were under the age of 14 at the time of the alleged abuse, which prosecutors say occurred over several years in Ojai and Oxnard.
Prosecutors stated that Johnson had access to the children through a familial relationship. The specific identities of the children have not been publicly released. The charges include four felony counts of committing a lewd act upon a child and two felony counts of continuous sexual abuse. Special allegations involving substantial sexual conduct and the victims being under 14 years old have also been filed.
Johnson was arrested on Monday by the Ventura County Sheriff's Office and booked into the Ventura County Main Jail. He appeared in Ventura County Superior Court, where he entered his not guilty plea. Johnson remains in custody without bail and is scheduled for a bail review hearing on Friday.
Deputy District Attorney Cesar Ponce of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Sexual Assault Unit is prosecuting the case. Investigators are appealing to the public for information regarding Johnson or any other potential unreported crimes involving him. Those with information are asked to contact Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Detective Michael Loth at 805-384-4745.
