A once-revered Virginia megachurch pastor is now facing prison time after being convicted of stalking and breaking into the home of a former congregant—a case that has sparked conversations about abuse of power within religious institutions.

Sergio Guardia, 49, the former pastor of the Spanish-language campus of Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg, Virginia, was found guilty on March 12 of burglary and stalking charges. The conviction stems from an incident in November 2023 when Guardia was caught on home surveillance footage unlawfully entering the residence of Marie Columna, a former member of his congregation.

Columna, speaking to WSET-TV, shared how her world was turned upside down after a simple phone notification alerted her that someone had entered her home while she was away. That someone turned out to be Guardia.

“I just was yelling, ‘There’s a guy in my house,’” she recalled.

Guardia’s sentencing is set for August 20. As of now, neither he nor his attorney has responded to requests for comment.

A Trusted Figure Turns Threat

According to Columna, Guardia’s behavior had been concerning for years, long before the shocking break-in. She says the troubling pattern began shortly after her divorce was finalized in 2016. Guardia, who was then her spiritual leader, began visiting her home under the guise of offering support during a difficult time.

“At first, he came around to help,” Columna explained. “But eventually, it became clear he wanted more.”

What followed, according to her account, was nearly six years of increasingly disturbing behavior. Despite attempts to distance herself, Columna says Guardia continued to show up uninvited and unwelcomed. It wasn’t until she installed security cameras and captured him on video entering her home in 2023 that she had the proof necessary to take legal action.

The footage ultimately led to his arrest and conviction.

A Church’s Silence and a Survivor’s Strength

One of the most disheartening aspects of Columna’s experience, she says, was the church’s reaction—or lack thereof. After bringing her concerns to Thomas Road Baptist Church, she felt brushed aside.

“Their response towards me was negative. They were supportive of him,” she said.

The church did not respond to USA TODAY’s request for comment on the matter.

For Columna, the lack of institutional support was almost as painful as the stalking itself. However, the courtroom victory brought her a sense of closure and renewed empowerment.

“I do feel like I’ve gotten my power back, power that he took,” she told WSET-TV. “As powerful as that position of authority as a pastor may seem, and as powerful as that church may seem, victims have power, too.”

Surveillance Footage: The Turning Point

The turning point in this six-year ordeal came when Columna’s home surveillance system captured Guardia inside her house over two days in November 2023, while she was out of town. That footage became the key piece of evidence in court, exposing Guardia’s unlawful entry and confirming Columna’s long-held fears.

While such technology is becoming more common, in this case, it became a tool of justice for someone who had spent years living in fear.

A Wake-Up Call for Religious Institutions

The Guardia case is more than just a criminal trial—it’s a wake-up call for churches and other institutions that hold positions of trust and influence. Faith communities often serve as places of refuge, support, and healing. But when leaders abuse their positions, the damage can be profound and long-lasting.

Guardia’s actions not only betrayed the sacred trust placed in him as a pastor but also exposed how institutions can sometimes fail to protect those most vulnerable.

Advocates for survivors of stalking and harassment hope this case will encourage churches to take allegations more seriously, investigate thoroughly, and stand by those who come forward.

Looking Ahead

As Guardia awaits sentencing, Columna is looking forward—to a future where she no longer has to live in fear and to a world where survivors are believed and empowered.

“I hope my story helps others,” she said. “No one should feel powerless, especially when the person making them feel that way is someone who’s supposed to help.”

The case serves as a sobering reminder that abuse of power can happen anywhere—even in the places we expect to feel safest. And yet, through courage, persistence, and the power of truth, justice can still prevail.