A former Maryland youth pastor was arrested and charged with allegedly sexually abusing six teens, but Baltimore County police say there could be more. Thomas Pinkerton, Jr., 52, is accused of abusing young victims between 2006 and 2010 while working at Central Christian Church, county police say.
According to charging documents obtained by WBAL-TV, Pinkerton is charged with multiple counts of second-degree child abuse along with third-and fourth-degree sex offenses. In addition, Pinkerton is charged with second-degree assault and sex abuse of a minor.
Investigators say at least seven men contacted authorities to report allegations of abuse. One of the men who came forward reported abuse allegations in Georgia. The other six allege the abuse took place in Baltimore County. All of the alleged victims were minors at the time, ranging in age between 12 and 17 years old. Police suspect the alleged abuse took place at the church and Pinkerton’s home.
"He vehemently denies the allegations and is anxiously awaiting his day in court to prove his innocence," Justin Hollimon, Pinkerton's attorney, told WBAL-TV.
Pinkerton resides in Georgia but was extradited to Maryland, where he remains behind bars without bond.
Charging documents allege that Pinkerton would have boys sleep with him on mission trips or make children undress as a gesture of “serving.”
One of the alleged victims who came forward told authorities that Pinkerton had favorites and detailed a pattern of massages, hand holding, hugging, wrestling, and kissing, before escalating into sexual molestation.
In a statement on the church website, the church leaders called the developments “deeply heartbreaking.”
"Allegations of sexual abuse involving a former staff member have resulted in the indictment and arrest of Thomas Pinkerton. Pinkerton served on staff more than 15 years ago and has not been affiliated with Central since leaving to start his own ministry.
"The matter became known after one of the alleged victims had the courage to step forward and report the abuse to law enforcement. Since then, additional individuals, some of whom were minors during the staff member’s tenure, have come forward with similar accounts. Allegations have also surfaced from individuals in other states after the staff member's departure."
The church added that it will offer counseling and spiritual support to those impacted and is currently cooperating with law enforcement in the investigation.
Baltimore County Police is asking for people to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to call the Crimes Against Children Unit at 410-887-7720.