Templeton Advisory Chair Arrested at Court Hearing

Judge revokes bail for David Leader after finding he violated multiple restraining orders

Apr. 4, 2026 at 6:47am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a pair of handcuffed hands against a stark, black background, capturing the gritty, investigative nature of this crime-related story.The arrest of the Templeton Area Advisory Group chair exposes the divisive tensions underlying local politics.San Luis Obispo Today

David Leader, the chair of the combative Templeton Area Advisory Group, was arrested and handcuffed at the end of a court hearing on Friday. The judge determined that the 70-year-old Leader had continued to violate multiple restraining orders filed by his neighbors, who accused him of trespassing, making threats, and other disruptive behavior. The judge revoked Leader's bail, which was set at $300,000 in two cases, and ordered him taken into custody.

Why it matters

The ongoing tensions and legal battles between Leader and his neighbors in the Templeton community highlight the divisive nature of local politics and the challenges that can arise when community members become entrenched in long-running disputes. The arrest also raises questions about Leader's continued leadership of the Templeton Area Advisory Group, which has been the site of its own contentious meetings.

The details

During the court hearing, three neighbors and two deputies testified against Leader, who is facing 26 criminal charges related to violating restraining orders, vandalism, and petty theft. The judge, Erin Childs, ruled that Leader had continued to violate the restraining orders and revoked his previous bail, ordering him taken into custody.

  • The court hearing took place on Friday, April 4, 2026.
  • Leader's trial is scheduled to begin on April 27, 2026.

The players

David Leader

The 70-year-old chair of the Templeton Area Advisory Group, who is facing 26 criminal charges related to violating restraining orders, vandalism, and petty theft.

Erin Childs

The San Luis Obispo County Superior Court judge who ruled that Leader had continued to violate restraining orders and revoked his bail.

Templeton Area Advisory Group

A local advisory group in Templeton, California, that has been the site of ongoing disputes and tensions, with Leader serving as the chair despite the criminal charges he is facing.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow David Leader out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining civil discourse and community cohesion in the face of long-running disputes and legal battles. It raises questions about the role of local advisory groups and the accountability of their leaders, especially when they are facing serious criminal charges.