The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A pastor in Gardena, California, reportedly pushed a longtime church elder down a flight of cement steps and through a metal gate outside her place of worship, leaving her with multiple broken bones, according to reports.
The woman, described as a senior citizen and longtime attendant of the church, allegedly suffered injuries to her wrist and toes from the fall. A criminal complaint alleged that the incident involved significant force and serious bodily harm. The encounter reportedly took place outside the church building and was later reported to law enforcement.
Following the alleged assault, a community activist stated that he was asked by the woman’s family to speak publicly on her behalf. During a press conference, he reportedly called for the pastor to be removed from his leadership position. Video footage shared online allegedly showed part of the confrontation, though officials had not publicly released the full contents of the recording. Some members of the congregation have reportedly questioned why the pastor continues to lead services while the criminal case is ongoing.
According to prosecutors, the pastor was arrested in October 2025 in connection with the alleged incident. He was charged with assault by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury, a felony offense. Authorities reported that he was later released on his own recognizance.
Court records indicate that he has pleaded not guilty, and the case remains ongoing in Los Angeles County.
The pastor has reportedly claimed that before the alleged incident, he had raised concerns about certain church members and suggested that the criminal case stemmed from internal disputes within the congregation. The matter is continuing through the court process.
If you or someone you love is suspected of an assault or battery offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.