A 38-year-old Alabama man accused of threatening St. Michael's Abbey in Silverado Canyon has quietly wrapped up his Orange County weapons case, walking away with a 60-day sentence that the court credited entirely as time already served. That closes the county-level prosecution, but he remains in federal custody on an interstate stalking indictment that is still very much alive.
According to the Orange County Register, Joshua Michael Richardson pleaded guilty in September 2025 to two felony counts of possessing metal knuckles and was ordered in state court to serve 60 days in jail or receive credit for time already served. The Register reports that prosecutors urged the court to keep him in custody rather than release him, and that Richardson remains held on a federal interstate stalking charge, with an evidentiary hearing scheduled for May 20, 2026.
Arrest And What Deputies Say They Found
The Orange County Sheriff's Department says the case started after St. Michael's Abbey reported “suspicious, threatening emails” in August, followed by an in-person visit that left clergy alarmed. Investigators used cellphone data to track Richardson to Santa Monica and arrested him on Aug. 28. A search of his vehicle turned up body armor, high-capacity magazines, knives, brass knuckles, and other tactical gear, officials told ABC7.
Prosecutors Describe Apocalyptic Messages
Prosecutors say Richardson's written messages included apocalyptic language, calling himself a "rider of the pale horse" and the "angel of death" and mailing a letter titled "articles of war," according to reporting from CBS Los Angeles. They say he also made disturbing comments to a priest that were interpreted as threats. Those statements, combined with the alleged messages, helped drive the decision by local authorities to treat the situation as a credible threat and to bring in federal partners.
Federal Charges And What They Mean
Federal prosecutors have charged Richardson with interstate stalking, a crime that, under federal law, can apply when someone travels across state lines intending to harass, intimidate, or injure and, as a result of that travel, causes substantial emotional distress or puts the victim in reasonable fear. For the statute and its elements, see Cornell Law School. Court records and reports indicate that an evidentiary hearing in federal court in Alabama is set for May 20, 2026, to determine whether the case will proceed to trial.
The Diocese of Orange has said it is grateful for the rapid response by law enforcement after church leaders reported the messages and the in-person contact, and local officials have encouraged anyone with additional information to contact investigators.
