TAMPA, Fla. — An arrest warrant was issued Monday for a Bay area pastor after Hillsborough County authorities say he ignored their warnings and held two large service gatherings on Sunday.

Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister announced the warrant Monday afternoon for Pastor Rodney Howard-Browne, who will face charges of unlawful assembly and violation of a public health ordinance.

Arrest warrant issued for pastor

Church has regular Sunday gathering

Service violates the current safer at home ordinance

Church, Sheriff's Office to determine what is allowable

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The River at Tampa Bay Church were advised by the sheriff's office about gathering amid the coronavirus outbreak, Chronister said.

The church, located near the Brandon area, held two largely-attended services on Sunday, according to authorities.

"The goal is not to stop anyone from worshipping," Chronister said. "Safety and public well-being must come first.

"Because of the reckless disregard of public safety after repeated requests and warnings, we issued the arrest warrant."

The gathering violates the county's "safer at home" order as well as President Donald Trump’s social distancing guidelines and recommendations made by the Centers For Disease Control.

Public or private gatherings, including faith-based gatherings, are limited to 10 people or less.

In a statement from earlier this month, church leaders said they felt they were an essential service and would be keeping their doors open. And on Sunday, the pastor said to the congregation: "I know that they’re trying to beat me up, you know, for having the church operational, but we are not an non-essential service."

The sheriff's office advised church leaders of the danger they are putting themselves and their congregation in by not following the guidelines.

Chronister says his legal team met with Pastor Browne’s representatives twice and told them they would be in violation of those orders. Attempts to speak to Browne directly were unsuccessful.

State Attorney Andrew Warren and a judge signed off on the warrants.

"Where people are refusing to obey law enforcement in this regard, you risk being arrested and prosecuted," Warren said.