On Thursday, Aug. 28, Orange County Sheriff’s Department personnel were contacted regarding suspicious, threatening emails sent to St. Michael’s Abbey in Silverado Canyon.
The Sheriff investigators learned that the suspect, Joshua Michael Richardson, 38 years old, initially sent emails that were interpreted as threatening.
Joshua, an Alabama resident, subssequently visited the church in person and made additional threats, which a priest at the Abbey reported to the Sheriff’s Department.
Investigators and deputies quickly located and detained Richardson for criminal threats. After searching his vehicle, they found body armor, high-capacity magazines, brass knuckles and knives. He was arrested without further incident and booked into the Orange County Jail.
While incidents like this can feel unsettling, they also highlight the power of community. If something seems off, say something. Trust your instincts and report suspicious activity, whether it is a strange message, unusual behavior, or something that does not sit right. Your call could stop a crime before it happens.
St. Michael’s Abbey is a Norbertine Catholic monastery, which is a community of Catholic priests who follow the Rule of St. Augustine, combining communal prayer with active ministry, such as celebrating the sacraments and teaching the faith, in Silverado, Orange County, California.
This investigation is ongoing. If anyone knows additional details that may assist investigators, they are asked to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at 714-647-7000. Anonymous information may be provided through Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS or through OC Crime Stoppers.
Based on California law, Joshua Michael Richardson could face multiple serious charges stemming from the incident at St. Michael’s Abbey. Here’s a plain-language breakdown of the potential penalties:
1. Criminal Threats (Penal Code § 422)
This charge applies when someone threatens to kill or seriously injure another person, causing them to experience sustained and reasonable fear.
- Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail and/or a fine up to $1,000.
- Felony: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison, and/or a fine up to $10,000.
- If a deadly weapon was involved, an additional year may be added to the sentence.
This offense is considered a “wobbler,” meaning it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony depending on the circumstances and the suspect’s criminal history.
2. Possession of Illegal Weapons
Richardson was reportedly found with body armor, high-capacity magazines, brass knuckles, and knives. These items can trigger several separate charges:
High-Capacity Magazines (Penal Code § 32310)
- Possession is generally illegal in California.
- Penalty: Misdemeanor or felony, with up to 1 year in jail or up to 3 years in prison.
Brass Knuckles (Penal Code § 21810)
- Possession is a felony.
- Penalty: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in prison.
Knives (Depending on Type and Concealment)
- Concealed dirks or daggers can lead to felony charges.
- Penalty: Up to 3 years in prison.
Body Armor (Penal Code § 31360)
- Legal for most people, but illegal for felons to possess.
- If Richardson has a prior felony, this could add another felony charge.
3. Additional Considerations
- If Richardson has any prior felony convictions, he could face enhanced penalties under California’s Three Strikes Law.
- If prosecutors determine he intended to use the weapons to commit a violent act, he could also be charged under Penal Code § 17500 (possession of a deadly weapon with intent to assault), which carries up to 3 years in prison.