BALTIMORE — A former Baltimore County youth pastor faces several sexual assault allegations dating back nearly two decades ago.
Thomas George Pinkerton Jr. once worked at Central Christian Church on Rossville Boulevard.
The 52-year-old is now accused of committing sexually abusive acts at the church and his home in Perry Hall between 2006 and 2010.
An official investigation was launched at the end of October 2024, when police got a call from a man living in West Virginia, who reported being victimized by Pinkerton.
The caller claims the abuse started with massages, hand holding, and Pinkerton whispering things like "I love you, son."
These types of incidents progressed to the point where Pinkerton allegedly touched the victim's genitals on multiple occasions, "in a joking manner."
The victim told police all the joking led to an "uncomfortable" encounter the two had while alone at Pinkerton's home, where the pastor laid behind "spooning" him.
Later in his conversation with police, the caller provided names of other potential victims.
In total, police interviewed seven men.
Each recalled similar experiences with Pinkerton, some considering him a mentor or "spiritual father" figure.
They recounted Pinkerton subjecting them to kisses, hugs, and shirtless massages while on mission trips or at his house.
Pinkerton reportedly explained to victims this was "how Jesus would greet his disciples."
One victim remembered Pinkerton saying if anyone found out "it would destroy everything."
"Victim #4 took that to meạn that Victim #4 would be exposed too," detectives noted in charging documents. "Victim #4 clearly struggled with talking about this particular aspect of Pinkerton's abuse, including the timeline and frequency, due to the long history of abuse by Pinkerton."
Another victim called Pinkerton somewhat of a "sugar daddy" because he paid for everything from dinner to movies during their many outings together.
All this resulted in an arrest warrant being issued for Pinkerton this past June.
A current resident of Georgia, Pinkerton was extradited to Maryland on Wednesday.
Larry Kirk, the Lead Pastor at Central Christian Church, issued a statement calling the allegations "deeply heartbreaking."
"We are committed to walking alongside these young men with compassion and support. The church has offered counseling and spiritual support to those impacted and has fully cooperated with law enforcement while this case remains under investigation," added Kirk. "There is absolutely no place for abuse - ever - in the church."
Pinkerton left Central Christian more than 15-years ago to start his own ministry, according to Kirk.
One of the seven victims reported being assaulted by Pinkerton in Georgia, while all other alleged events occurred in Baltimore County.
Detectives believe there are more victims who've yet to come forward.
So far 24 criminal counts have been lodged against Pinkerton, 14 of which are felonies.
An initial bond review is scheduled for August 7 at 1pm, with a September 5 preliminary court hearing to follow.
Anyone with information can call detectives at 410-887-7720.
