Man who allegedly made threats to an Orange County church had body armor and ammunition, deputies say

"On Aug. 28, the Orange County Sheriff's Department got a report about threatening emails sent to St. Michael's Abbey in Silverado Canyon, according to a Sheriff's Department news release. Joshua Michael Richardson, 38, an Alabama resident, was identified as the suspect who sent the emails. He then allegedly visited the church in person and made more threats, which were reported by the priest to the Sheriff's Department. Deputies arrested Richardson for criminal threats and found body armor, high-capacity magazines, brass knuckles and knives in his car, officials said. He was booked into the Orange County Jail."

""While incidents like this can feel unsettling, they also highlight the power of community," according to the Sheriff's Department release. "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.""

On Aug. 28, authorities received reports of threatening emails sent to St. Michael's Abbey in Silverado Canyon. Investigators identified Joshua Michael Richardson, 38, an Alabama resident, as the suspected sender. Richardson allegedly visited the church and made additional threats that were reported by the priest. Deputies arrested him on charges of criminal threats and discovered body armor, high-capacity magazines, brass knuckles and knives inside his car. He was booked into the Orange County Jail. The Sheriff's Department urged community members to report suspicious activity and trust their instincts. Church and Sheriff representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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