Atlanta Pastor Charged with Aggravated Assault After Allegedly Hitting Stepson with Power Cord
Atlanta, GA – An Atlanta-area pastor has been arrested and charged with aggravated assault following an incident where he allegedly struck his stepson with an electrical power cord, authorities confirmed Tuesday. Fredrick D.Johnson, 53, pastor of the house of Hope Christian Church in Decatur, was taken into custody Monday and booked into the DeKalb County jail.
The incident, reported to police on November 26, 2023, centers around allegations that Johnson physically abused his 16-year-old stepson. According to the DeKalb County Police Department,the teen reported being disciplined by Johnson with a power cord,resulting in visible injuries. This case highlights the ongoing issue of domestic violence and abuse, even within religious communities, and raises questions about accountability for those in positions of authority. Johnson’s arrest initiates a legal process that could result in significant penalties if convicted,and underscores the importance of reporting suspected abuse to protect vulnerable individuals.
Police responded to a call regarding a possible assault at a residence in the 3700 block of Meadow Creek Road. The stepson detailed the alleged abuse to investigators, leading to the issuance of an arrest warrant for Johnson. Investigators observed injuries consistent with the teen’s account.
Johnson is charged with one count of aggravated assault, a felony offense in Georgia. Aggravated assault carries a potential sentence of one to 20 years in prison, along with a fine of up to $10,000, upon conviction.He was released on a $15,000 bond Tuesday afternoon.
The House of Hope Christian Church has not yet released a statement regarding the allegations against Johnson. The DeKalb County Police Department is continuing its examination and encourages anyone with facts related to this case to come forward.
