Jeffrey Johnson Sr., the former senior pastor of Eastern Star Church, one of Indianapolis’ largest and most influential congregations, is facing a Class A misdemeanor domestic battery charge after a weekend incident at his Fishers home.

According to a probable cause affidavit filed in Hamilton Superior Court 3, Fishers police were called to Johnson’s residence on the evening of October 11 after he contacted dispatch to request that his adult son be removed from the home. Officers informed Johnson that because his son had lived at the residence for nearly a year and kept belongings there, the situation was civil in nature and not grounds for forced removal.

The affidavit states that the dispute escalated when Johnson told his son, “I’m going to beat your ass,” threw his son’s clothing on the porch, and then grabbed him by the shirt collar in what officers described as a “rude, insolent, and angry manner.” One officer reported personally witnessing the contact and noted the odor of alcohol on Johnson’s breath. The incident was captured on body-worn camera.

Prosecutors charged Johnson with one count of domestic battery under Indiana Code 35-42-2-1.3(a)(1). A no-contact order has been requested, prohibiting Johnson from contacting his son during the case. Johnson has retained attorneys Howard L. Stevenson and Katherine Jackson-Lindsay.

Johnson, who led Eastern Star Church for more than three decades, remains a high-profile figure in the Indianapolis faith community.

On Monday morning, his son and current lead pastor, Jeffrey Johnson Jr., addressed the congregation directly. Johnson Jr. said the incident stemmed from an emotionally volatile situation involving his brother, who he said has struggled with mental and emotional challenges. According to Johnson Jr., his brother became verbally aggressive toward their mother, and his father intervened to calm the situation.

Johnson Jr. said it was his father who called Fishers Police for assistance but that officers ultimately arrested him instead. He told congregants his father did not harm either his mother or brother and suggested the police may have made the wrong call. He asked the congregation to lift the family in prayer and emphasized the importance of faith and unity during challenging times.

Court records confirm that while Johnson Sr. has been charged with domestic battery, the charge does not necessarily involve spousal abuse, and he remains innocent until proven guilty. The case will proceed in Hamilton Superior Court 3. An initial hearing has been scheduled.