By El Latino Newsroom
An Ojai man has been charged with six felony counts of child molestation involving multiple victims, according to Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko.
David Johnson, 58, faces four counts of lewd acts upon a child and two counts of continuous sexual abuse. Prosecutors have also filed special allegations involving substantial sexual conduct and allegations that the victims were younger than 14.
Johnson was arraigned in Ventura County Superior Court and pleaded not guilty to all charges.
According to prosecutors, Johnson worked as both a pastor and a massage therapist and is accused of sexually abusing two children who were younger than 14. The alleged abuse reportedly occurred over several years at locations in Ojai and Oxnard.
Authorities said Johnson had access to the children through a familial relationship.
The allegations involve conduct that prosecutors say occurred over an extended period, resulting in multiple felony charges. Because the case involves alleged offenses against children, investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the allegations and are looking into whether additional victims may exist.
Johnson remains in custody without bail while the case proceeds through the court system.
Investigation Continues Into Possible Additional Victims
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the allegations and is asking anyone with information about Johnson or possible additional incidents to contact investigators.
Detective Michael Loth with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is handling inquiries related to the case. Anyone who believes they may have information about the allegations or possible unreported crimes involving Johnson is encouraged to contact Loth at (805) 384-4745.
Investigators’ efforts to identify potential additional victims are part of the ongoing investigation. Authorities said they suspect there could be other individuals who have not yet come forward.
The allegations cover multiple years and locations in Ojai and Oxnard. Prosecutors allege that Johnson’s relationship to the children provided him with access to them.
The charges include four counts alleging lewd acts upon a child and two counts alleging continuous sexual abuse. The latter charges relate to allegations that the abuse occurred over an extended period.
Prosecutors have also included special allegations concerning substantial sexual conduct and the ages of the alleged victims.
The investigation remains active, and authorities are encouraging anyone with relevant information to contact investigators rather than assuming that law enforcement already has all available information.
Case Assigned to District Attorney’s Sexual Assault Unit
Deputy District Attorney Cesar Ponce, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Sexual Assault Unit, is prosecuting the case.
The Sexual Assault Unit handles cases involving serious allegations of sexual violence and abuse and works with law enforcement agencies during criminal investigations and prosecutions.
Johnson was taken into custody and remains jailed without bail. His next scheduled court proceeding is a bail review hearing set for Aug. 28, 2026.
The hearing will give the court an opportunity to review Johnson’s custody status as the criminal case moves forward.
The charges against Johnson are allegations. His not-guilty plea means the case will proceed through the criminal justice system, and prosecutors will be required to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
Authorities are asking members of the community who may have information about the case or possible additional offenses to come forward. Investigators said information from potential witnesses or victims could assist them in determining whether there are additional allegations that should be investigated.
The case remains under investigation as prosecutors prepare to proceed with the charges filed against Johnson.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Detective Michael Loth at (805) 384-4745.
