A man accused of threatening St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Chula Vista was allowed out of jail for Thanksgiving but he was prohibiting from attending church there.
The $100,000 bail amount for Thomas Martin Escajeda, 61, was changed Nov. 20 to being free on his own recognizance by Chula Vista Superior Court Judge Theodore Weathers.
Escajeda was barred from contacting or attending St. Rose of Lima and ordered to stay away from all churches as part of his release conditions.
Escajeda is charged with making a criminal threat, a felony, to someone at the church and misdemeanor telephone harassment to someone there on Oct. 30. He was arrested by Chula Vista Police and the church canceled all their masses to commemorate the Nov. 1 All Saints Day at the parish at 293 H Street, as a precaution.
Escajeda told KGTV Channel 10 that he phoned the church and talked about “make a killing” if he sold coffee and doughnuts to worshippers. He claimed he was misunderstood and has pleaded not guilty.
Deputy District Attorney Christopher Blaylock said the case is not just a simple misunderstanding. He added he could not go into the evidence that has not been presented in court. A preliminary hearing was reset for Dec. 18 when people from the church will testify.
Escajeda’s attorney, Adam Hepburn, said police searched Escajeda’s home and did not find any firearms. Hepburn said Escajeda has strong family support and that he is not a threat.
