Templeton Advisory Board Chair Jailed After Violating Restraining Orders

David Leader faces trial for criminal charges stemming from neighborhood disputes

Apr. 7, 2026 at 8:22pm

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An extreme close-up of a damaged lock or property evidence, reflecting a harsh, direct camera flash and creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.Tensions over neighborhood disputes escalate as the chair of a local advisory board faces criminal charges for alleged property damage and harassment.Templeton Today

The recently appointed chair of the Templeton Area Advisory Group (TAAG), David Leader, was taken into custody after a San Luis Obispo County Superior Court judge found he had violated multiple restraining orders filed against him by his neighbors. Leader, who replaced the former chair after her resignation due to turmoil on the board, faces an upcoming trial for 25 criminal misdemeanor charges related to the alleged harassment and intimidation of his neighbors.

Why it matters

The TAAG is an important advisory group that makes recommendations to the county on land use and development in Templeton. Leader's legal troubles and the ongoing turmoil on the board have left the group in limbo as it works to fill its officer positions. The case highlights tensions within the local community and raises questions about the ability of volunteer advisory boards to function effectively when members face serious criminal allegations.

The details

Leader was voted in as interim chair to stabilize the TAAG board, but he now faces his own impending trial on 25 criminal misdemeanor charges, mostly for allegedly violating restraining orders involving two of his neighbors in rural Templeton. The charges stem from what Leader previously described as a 'neighborhood dispute of an easement that's just gotten way out of hand.' However, the District Attorney's Office has described it as a 'campaign of harassing and intimidating' by Leader against his neighbors, including allegations of trespassing, vandalism, and making verbal threats.

  • On March 5, 2025, the District Attorney's Office filed 21 criminal misdemeanor charges against Leader.
  • On Dec. 16, an additional contempt of court charge was filed against Leader.
  • On Feb. 14, Leader was charged with two criminal infractions for letting his dog off leash in a public area.
  • Leader's trial is scheduled to begin on April 27, 2026.

The players

David Leader

The 70-year-old recently appointed chair of the Templeton Area Advisory Group (TAAG) who faces an upcoming trial for 25 criminal misdemeanor charges, mostly for allegedly violating restraining orders involving two of his neighbors in rural Templeton.

Jennifer Jones

The former chair of the TAAG who resigned due to 'problematic behaviors' of another board member.

Murray Powell

A longtime TAAG board member and vice chair who was reappointed to one of the empty seats in March.

William Nowinski

A TAAG board member who stated the group is currently in limbo as it waits to fill its officer positions.

Eric Dobroth

The Assistant District Attorney who told The Tribune that Leader has continued to violate two temporary restraining and criminal protective orders.

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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

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee

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 growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety, and whether special laws are needed to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.