Overview

• Joshua Michael Richardson, 38, is accused of emailing apocalyptic threats to St. Michael’s Abbey and then confronting a priest in person after attending services.
• Deputies arrested Richardson on Aug. 28 in Santa Monica after the priest’s report, and investigators say he had driven from Alabama to target the abbey.
• Authorities say his vehicle contained body armor, six high-capacity magazines, brass knuckles, knives, a sword, a stun gun, duct tape, rope, and radios, but no firearms.
• Prosecutors charged him with felony criminal threats and multiple weapons offenses, and they report he could face more than five years in prison if convicted.
• Officials increased patrols around the abbey, the Diocese enhanced security, and the public was urged to report tips as the investigation remains active.