Pastor Tony Spell of Life Tabernacle Church in Central, Louisiana, was arrested for second-degree battery after an altercation with his neighbor's son, Scott Sherwin. The incident occurred outside the church, and Spell has been released on a $25,000 bond, according to the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office. Reports indicate that Spell delivered multiple punches to Sherwin, who required five stitches as a result of the altercation.
Spell claimed that Sherwin threatened to sexually assault and kill his family during the confrontation. He stated, "While I’m working on this particular bus, he said, 'Tony, I’m gonna rape your wife. I’m gonna rape all of your grandchildren.'" Spell emphasized his role as a husband and father, asserting he would not allow threats against his family.
The pastor also accused the Sherwin family of harassing his congregation, which he described as racially diverse and vulnerable. Spell's lawyer criticized local police for not addressing previous complaints of harassment made by Spell. However, a police representative disputed this, stating that records show only five incidents involving the Spell family in the past four years, with only one complaint against their neighbors.
Tensions between the Spell and Sherwin families have reportedly existed for several years, including a previous incident where Spell was ticketed for violating COVID-19 restrictions. The Sherwin family allegedly monitored Spell's activities with surveillance cameras, leading to a lawsuit from the pastor against them.