David Johnson pleaded not guilty to charges involving two children, while Ventura County investigators said they are looking for possible additional victims.
VENTURA, Calif. — An Ojai pastor who also worked as a massage therapist has been charged with six felony child molestation counts involving two children younger than 14, according to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office.
David Johnson, 58, pleaded not guilty to all charges after being arraigned in Ventura County Superior Court, prosecutors announced Aug. 26. He faces four counts of lewd acts upon a child and two counts of continuous sexual abuse. The filing also includes special allegations involving substantial sexual conduct and the alleged victims being under 14 years old. The allegations have not been proven in court.
Prosecutors allege the abuse took place over several years at locations in Ojai and Oxnard. Authorities said Johnson had access to the two children through a familial relationship. Officials did not publicly identify the children or provide additional details about that relationship, and their identities are being withheld because they are minors involved in a sexual abuse case.
The District Attorney’s Office did not provide detailed descriptions of the alleged conduct beyond the criminal counts and special allegations. The office said investigators believe there could be additional victims who have not yet reported allegations. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is assisting with the investigation, according to the prosecutor’s announcement.
The case comes as investigators seek information about possible other unreported offenses involving Johnson. Authorities released information about the charges and Johnson’s identity as part of that effort. Detective Michael Loth of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office was listed by prosecutors as the investigator receiving information connected to the case.
Johnson’s work as both a pastor and massage therapist was identified in the District Attorney’s Office announcement. Prosecutors did not identify a church in the charging release reviewed for this report, nor did they state that the alleged conduct occurred through his work as a pastor or massage therapist. Their announcement said his access to the two children came through a familial relationship.
Deputy District Attorney Cesar Ponce, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Sexual Assault Unit, is prosecuting the case. Court records referenced by prosecutors identify the criminal matter as case No. 2026023346 and Ventura County Superior Court No. 26CM100614.
At the time prosecutors announced the charges, Johnson was being held without bail and a bail review hearing was scheduled for Aug. 28. Reliable public reports reviewed through Aug. 31 did not provide a confirmed outcome from that hearing, so his current bail status could not be independently established from the available material.
The investigation remained open as authorities sought information about possible additional victims or other unreported crimes. No conviction has been entered in the case, and Johnson’s not-guilty plea means the allegations remain accusations to be decided through the court process.
Author note: Last updated Aug. 31, 2026.