Unincorporated Silverado, Calif. (Sept. 2, 2025): Orange County Sheriff’s Department North Operations investigators have arrested a man on suspicion of making criminal threats.
On Thursday, Aug. 28, Sheriff’s Department personnel were contacted regarding suspicious, threatening emails sent to St. Michael’s Abbey in Silverado Canyon. They learned that the suspect (Joshua Michael Richardson, 38 years old) first sent emails that were interpreted as threatening. Joshua, an Alabama resident, then visited the church in person and made additional threats, which a priest at the Abbey reported to the Sheriff's Department.
Investigators and deputies quickly located and detained Richardson for criminal threats. After searching his vehicle, they found body armor, high-capacity magazines, brass knuckles and knives. He was arrested without further incident and booked into the Orange County Jail.
While incidents like this can feel unsettling, they also highlight the power of community. 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.
This investigation is ongoing. If anyone knows additional details that may assist investigators, they are asked to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at 714-647-7000. Anonymous information may be provided through Orange
