A Virginia jury convicted former pastor Sergio Guardia, 49, on March 12 for burglary and stalking charges. The charges stem from an incident in November 2023, when Guardia unlawfully entered the home of Marie Columna, a former congregation member. Columna was out of town when her phone alerted her to the presence of a man inside her house.
Columna, speaking to WSET-TV, said, “I just was yelling, ‘There’s a guy in my house.’” Guardia’s sentencing is scheduled for August 20.
Victim Speaks Out After Verdict
Columna expressed relief following Guardia’s conviction. “I do feel like I’ve gotten my power back, power that he took,” she said. According to her, Guardia served as her pastor at the Spanish-language campus of Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg until she left the church in 2016 due to his inappropriate behavior.
She explained that after her divorce, Guardia began visiting her home under the guise of offering help. Over time, his visits took on a more disturbing tone, eventually developing into a six-year pattern of stalking that ended when she caught him on camera.
Concerns Over Church’s Response
Columna voiced frustration with Thomas Road Baptist Church’s handling of the allegations. She said the church offered Guardia more support than her, which left her feeling dismissed. “Their response towards me was negative. They were supportive of him,” she told WSET-TV.
The church did not respond to USA TODAY’s request for comment. Guardia’s attorney also did not issue a public statement.
Supporters Cite Justice, Detractors Raise Questions
Supporters of the conviction see the verdict as a long-overdue affirmation of Columna’s claims. They commend her for her persistence and bravery. Critics, however, are questioning the church’s oversight and lack of action during the years Guardia allegedly stalked Columna. The case has sparked debate over institutional accountability and the misuse of religious authority.
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Video catches former megachurch pastor sneaking into woman’s home in stalking case
Photo by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash
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