Pair Accuse Pastor in Rights Suit

An Oxnard couple claimed in a federal lawsuit Wednesday that their civil rights were violated by a pastor who summoned police to their home after being told that they were involved in a violent domestic dispute.

Robert and Lisa Aguilera accused the Rev. Dan Green, spiritual leader of the Assembly of God Church in Port Hueneme, of violating their rights as congregants.

The episode occurred in January last year several hours after Green counseled them about some marital problems.

The Aguileras also sued the Oxnard Police Department, where Green serves as chaplain, and several police officers who arrested the couple at their home.

Robert Aguilera was booked on suspicion of child endangerment and being under the influence of drugs. His wife was held on four outstanding traffic warrants. A judge later dismissed the charges on grounds that police obtained evidence improperly.

In a telephone interview Wednesday night, Green denied revealing any confidential information to police.

Green said that during a visit by the Aguileras, he noticed that Lisa Aguilera had bruises on her face. He said that several hours after the counseling session, he received a call from another parishioner saying that Robert Aguilera was “at it again,” beating his wife. Green said he notified police.

“Whatever I told the police did not come from my counseling with the Aguileras,” Green said. “What I did was totally proper.”

The Aguileras are seeking unspecified damages for physical, mental and emotional pain and suffering in the suit, filed in Los Angeles.

They could not be reached for comment and their lawyer did not return phone messages left at his office.