Templeton man pleads guilty to vandalism after harassing neighbor

TEMPLETON, Calif. (KEYT) – David Allen Leader, 71, pleaded guilty to felony vandalism and seven misdemeanor counts of disobeying court orders related to harassing his Templeton neighbors.

The San Luis Obispo County District Attorney's Office announced charges against Leader, stemming from incidents that began in October 2024 from eight neighbors on Orchard Road in Templeton.

Leader damaged personal property exceeding $400 on Oct. 17, 2024 and repeatedly disobeyed a restraining order that came two months after the incident.

Source: SLOCDAO

More violations included Leader revving his engine loudly, driving on the wrong side of the road past speed limits, staring and making hand gestures at neighbors, slowing and stopping across from their homes, and shining lights at homes and cameras during the night, according to the SLOCDAO.

Leader pled guilty to the felony vandalism charge on Wednesday alongside the seven misdemeanors of disobeying a court order, according to the SLOCDAO.

A judge ordered Leader to spend 30 days in county jail and placed him on two years of formal felony probation. If Leader violates his probation, he could face up to two years in county jail.

Leader also agreed not to seek early termination of his probation and agreed that he would not drive an ATV, quad, or motorcycle on Orchard Road for the entire two-year term.

A court also ordered Leader to pay $684 of restitution to two individuals and more restitution for other parties, if necessary, who have yet to be determined.