Judge finds Ohio pastor guilty of violating fire code while church operated as a temporary shelter

A judge in a northwest Ohio city has found a pastor guilty on criminal charges for failing to comply with the city’s fire code after he opened his church and let homeless people and others to stay inside overnight. Bryan Municipal Court Judge Kent North’s decision made the decision Tuesday. Pastor Chris Avell of Dad’s Place Church could face a $200 fine and up to 60 days in jail if he continues to allow people to stay inside his church without the state’s approval that the building is up to code. The pastor's attorney said he would appeal the charges.