Former Thomas Road Baptist Church pastor Sergio Guardia has been convicted of two felony counts of burglary and one misdemeanor count of stalking a former parishioner, Marie Columna. Despite Columna reporting his harassment as early as 2017, Guardia remained on staff at the church until his arrest in November 2023, when he was caught breaking into Columna’s home while she was away.
Guardia had also worked as the Director of Hispanic Ministries at SBC Virginia from 2019 until his arrest. Although TRBC leaders were informed of Columna’s allegations, they failed to act decisively, with some church members continuing to support Guardia. Columna testified against him in court, and his sentencing is set for August 20. She hopes the conviction encourages other victims to seek justice.