Ohio Pastor Sentenced to Jail for Housing Homeless Residents in His Church

A pastor in Bryan Ohio, Chris Avell of Dad’s Place, was hit with legal consequences after being convicted of violating fire safety codes while allowing homeless people to sleep overnight in his church.

Judge Kent North declared Avell guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. As a result, he received a 60-day jail sentence, though it was suspended as long as he complied with fire codes, along with a $200 fine and court costs.

Avell’s legal team plans to appeal the ruling. Ryan Gardner, representing Avell through First Liberty, argued, “No pastor in America, including Pastor Chris Avell, should be pronounced guilty for providing temporary shelter to those in desperate need. Only government officials could say with a straight face that people are safer in the sub-zero temperatures on the street than inside the warmth of a church.”

Mayor Carrie Schlade emphasized the importance of adhering to public safety regulations, stating that the case does not involve religious freedom violations. The city stated that it remains committed to addressing homelessness while enforcing fire codes for public safety.

Dad’s Place can continue operating as a church but must halt residential use unless it meets proper building code standards.