A former Maryland youth pastor has been arrested and charged with allegedly sexually abusing six teenagers – and Baltimore County police say there could be more victims.
Thomas Pinkerton Jr, 52, is accused of abusing young people between 2006 and 2010 while working at Central Christian Church, according to county police.
Charging documents obtained by WBAL-TV state that Pinkerton faces multiple counts of second-degree child abuse, along with third- and fourth-degree sexual offences. He has also been charged with second-degree assault and sexual abuse of a minor.
Investigators say at least seven men have contacted authorities to report allegations of abuse. One of them reported abuse in Georgia; the other six allege it took place in Baltimore County. All the alleged victims were minors at the time, aged between 12 and 17. Police believe the abuse happened both at the church and in Pinkerton’s home.
“He vehemently denies the allegations and is anxiously awaiting his day in court to prove his innocence,” Pinkerton's solicitor, Justin Hollimon, told WBAL-TV.
Pinkerton, who now lives in Georgia, was extradited to Maryland, where he remains in custody without bail.
Charging documents allege that Pinkerton would have boys sleep with him on mission trips or make them undress as a gesture of “serving”.
One of the alleged victims told authorities that Pinkerton had “favourites” and described a pattern of massages, hand-holding, hugging, wrestling and kissing, before the behaviour escalated to sexual molestation.
In a statement on its website, 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," they said. "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 would offer counselling and spiritual support to those affected and is cooperating fully with law enforcement.
Baltimore County Police are asking anyone with information to contact the Crimes Against Children Unit on 410-887-7720.