Former Maryland Youth Pastor Charged with Sexually Abusing Multiple Teen Boys
“There is absolutely no place for abuse — ever — in the church.” – Pastor Larry Kirk, Central Christian Church
BALTIMORE COUNTY, Md. — Former youth pastor Thomas “Pastor Tommy” Pinkerton Jr., 52, is being held without bond after prosecutors say he sexually abused at least six teenage boys while serving at Central Christian Church in Maryland from 2006 to 2010. According to police, Pinkerton told boys in his youth group that kissing on the lips was “how Jesus greeted his disciples” a pretext for what multiple victims say became years of escalating abuse. Pinkerton, extradited from his home in Georgia last week, faces 24 felony and misdemeanor charges in Baltimore County, including sexual abuse of a minor and multiple counts of fourth-degree sex offense. His attorney, Justin Hollimon, says he has pleaded not guilty and is seeking another bond hearing after a judge denied his release.
Allegations of Systematic Grooming
According to the arrest warrant, the alleged abuse occurred at the church and at Pinkerton’s Maryland home. Victims, aged 13 to 19 at the time, told investigators that Pinkerton initiated inappropriate contact under the guise of “heavenly” or “brotherly” kisses, often calling the boys his “favorites” and referring to himself as their “spiritual father.” Several victims described being given massages during which Pinkerton allegedly groped them. A seventh man in Georgia has also reported similar abuse, with that case referred to local authorities there. Police believe there may be additional victims and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
A Denomination Under Scrutiny
The Assemblies of God, the largest Pentecostal denomination in the U.S., with nearly 3 million members, is already facing a wave of sexual abuse allegations. Pinkerton’s arrest comes days after an NBC News investigation exposed how an Assemblies of God college ministry sent students to stay with Daniel Savala, a convicted sex offender once described by some in the denomination as “the holiest man alive.”
Benjamin Rainey Jr., secretary-treasurer for the Assemblies of God regional office overseeing Maryland, distanced the denomination from Pinkerton, stating he was never formally credentialed as a minister. “We are so saddened to hear of this report,” Rainey said. “We are deeply concerned whenever reports like this come out.” Central Christian Church confirmed Pinkerton left its staff over 15 years ago to start his own ministry and has had no affiliation since. In a statement, lead pastor Larry Kirk said additional victims have come forward, including some outside Maryland. “There is absolutely no place for abuse, ever, in the church,” Kirk said.
Decades of Ministry, Global Reach
In the years since the alleged abuse, Pinkerton has traveled extensively as a preacher, speaking at churches in at least six U.S. states and evangelizing in South America, Europe, and Asia. One congregation, the New Chapel in Grand Rapids, Michigan, announced it severed ties with Pinkerton months ago and, after learning of the charges, expressed support for the victims and cooperation with authorities.
The Road Ahead
Baltimore County police obtained an arrest warrant for Pinkerton in late June. He was taken into custody in Georgia during a July traffic stop and extradited to Maryland last week. His preliminary court hearing is scheduled for September 5. Authorities say they expect more victims to come forward. For the survivors who have already spoken out, the arrest marks the first step in a legal battle that could finally bring accountability after nearly two decades.
I pray no one was harmed in North Ridgeville Ohio by this man! The worked with the youth here too!
This man is also called an apostle at a church in north ridgeville! Prayers h