A judge in northwestern Ohio ruled on Tuesday that a pastor was guilty of criminal charges for not adhering to city fire regulations after allowing homeless individuals to seek shelter in his church during the frigid winter months.

Chris Avell, who leads Dad’s Place Church in the city of Bryan, could potentially receive a fine of $200 and face up to 60 days in jail if he continues permitting people to stay overnight in the building without proper state approval that verifies the facility meets safety codes.

The ruling by Bryan Municipal Court Judge Kent North marks a pivotal point in a legal conflict that commenced in late 2023, concerning the church’s status as a temporary refuge for those in need.

Attorney Jeremy Dys, representing Avell, expressed strong discontent with the outcome, stating, “No pastor in America, including Pastor Avell, should ever be found guilty for just trying to help other people and provide them temporary shelter. Only a seasoned government official would think it is a safer idea to put people in subzero temperatures on the street than allow them to find warmth inside of a church.”

On the day of the ruling, temperatures in Bryan hovered in the single digits, while much of the Northern Plains region, extending up to Maine, was facing serious cold conditions.

Judge North has temporarily stayed the sentence, affording Dys the opportunity to file an appeal, which the attorney has confirmed is forthcoming.

Last year, law enforcement charged Avell with 18 criminal counts, citing issues related to the building being in violation of zoning laws, lacking essential kitchen and laundry services, and having unsafe exits along with inadequate ventilation.

In retaliation, the church initiated a federal lawsuit, claiming the city employed law enforcement to “needlessly harass and humiliate” both the church and its members, further alleging that there were threats of additional measures to close the church.

The city released a statement indicating that while the church could continue its worship operations, it must cease residential services until it submits and receives approval for the necessary building and fire code applications.

Bryan Fire Department Chief Douglas Pool emphasized that the actions taken have always revolved around ensuring fire code compliance for the safety of the public. “It’s never been about anything as far as religion, and we are appreciative of the court’s findings today to again show that we are trying to protect the public by enforcement of the fire code,” he remarked.