In a disturbing incident that has sent shockwaves through the religious community, a megachurch pastor was allegedly caught on CCTV breaking into the home of a female parishioner and wandering through her teenage daughters’ bedrooms.
The story, which has garnered widespread attention across multiple news outlets, raises serious questions about trust, authority, and accountability within religious institutions.
According to USA TODAY, Marie Columna, 43, said she’s “still afraid” of Sergio Guardia, 49, a minister at the renowned Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Guardia was convicted by a jury last week on two counts of burglary and one count of stalking, according to Lynchburg Circuit Court and faces up to ten years in jail.
The megachurch in Lynchburg — founded by Jerry Falwell Sr. and affiliated with Liberty University — is one of the most celebrated Baptist churches in the country and is affiliated with the scandal-hit Southern Baptist Convention.
The video evidence reportedly shows the pastor entering the residence without permission and moving through private areas, including the bedrooms of the homeowner’s teenage daughters. The incident has left the family shaken and prompted a swift response from law enforcement.
Fox News reported that the pastor, a prominent figure in a well-known megachurch, was identified through the footage, which was provided by the homeowner’s security system.
The outlet noted that the pastor’s actions were particularly alarming given his position of influence and the trust placed in him by his congregation.
“From the pulpit to pure creep,” one social media commenter remarked, reflecting the sentiment of betrayal felt by many who followed the story.
Details from NBC News further elaborated that the break-in occurred at a time when the homeowner was not present, though it remains unclear whether the pastor knew the house was unoccupied.
The footage, described as chilling, allegedly shows him lingering in the teens’ rooms, adding a layer of unease to an already troubling narrative.
Authorities have not yet released a motive, but speculation about the pastor’s intentions has fueled intense public scrutiny.
The story has also been covered by CBS News, which highlighted the broader implications for the megachurch community.
The outlet interviewed local residents and parishioners, some of whom expressed disbelief that a figure of such stature could be involved in such behavior.
“This is not what we expect from someone who’s supposed to lead us spiritually,” one anonymous church member told reporters.
The incident has reignited discussions about the accountability of religious leaders and the potential for abuse of power within large congregations.
Posts found on X have amplified the outrage, with users emphasizing the hypocrisy of a pastor engaging in such conduct.
While X posts are not definitive evidence, they reflect a growing public sentiment that the pastor’s actions warrant severe consequences.
Some have called for his immediate removal from the church, while others have demanded legal action, with comments suggesting he should be “locked up” for violating the sanctity of a family’s home.
As the investigation unfolds, multiple news outlets, including ABC News, have reported that law enforcement is reviewing additional evidence to determine whether this was an isolated incident or part of a pattern of behavior.
The pastor has not yet made a public statement, and his church has declined to comment beyond acknowledging that they are cooperating with authorities.
