Former youth pastor in Maryland arrested after allegedly sexually abusing at least 6 teens

Thomas Pinkerton Jr., a former youth pastor in Maryland, allegedly told children in his care that kissing boys on the lips was a normal Christian greeting—comparing it to how Jesus greeted his disciples—according to a recently released arrest warrant. Several men have since come forward, stating that Pinkerton’s behavior escalated beyond inappropriate kissing.

Pinkerton, 52, also known as Pastor Tommy, is accused of sexually abusing six teenage boys between 2006 and 2010 while serving at Central Christian Church, an Assemblies of God congregation in Baltimore County. He is currently being held without bond after being extradited from Georgia to Maryland to face 24 felony and misdemeanor charges. His attorney, Justin Hollimon, said Pinkerton has pleaded not guilty.

According to the arrest warrant, the alleged abuse involved inappropriate touching and kissing of teenagers aged 13 to 19, both at the church and at Pinkerton’s Maryland home. A seventh individual has reported similar abuse in Georgia, and that case has been referred to authorities there.

Investigators believe additional victims may exist and are urging others to come forward.

Pinkerton’s lawyer stated on Monday that his client was “completely shocked” by the charges and has requested another bond hearing after a judge denied release last week. “He gave his life to the community,” Hollimon said. “He’s anxiously waiting his day in court.”

Pinkerton’s arrest comes as the Assemblies of God—the largest Pentecostal denomination in the U.S., with nearly 3 million members—faces growing scrutiny over its handling of sexual abuse cases. Last week, NBC News published an investigation into how an affiliated college ministry allegedly directed students to stay with Daniel Savala, a convicted sex offender. In response, denominational leaders addressed the issue at a national meeting in Orlando, defending their actions while promising reforms.

Detectives began investigating Pinkerton after seven men came forward last fall. They described how, as teens, Pinkerton allegedly gave them massages, touched them inappropriately, and kissed them on the lips—something he called a “heavenly” or “brotherly” kiss, likening it to Jesus. He often referred to them as his “favorites” and presented himself as their “spiritual father.”

Assemblies of God leadership stated that although Pinkerton worked at one of their churches, he was never officially credentialed as a minister. “We are deeply saddened and concerned by these reports,” said Benjamin Rainey Jr., a regional official overseeing the area including Maryland.

Central Christian Church, where Pinkerton worked over 15 years ago, confirmed he had not been associated with them since leaving to start his own ministry. The church also stated that more individuals, including some from other states, have recently come forward with similar allegations. “There is absolutely no place for abuse—ever—in the church,” said Lead Pastor Larry Kirk.

Since the alleged abuse, Pinkerton has preached in at least six states and has led missions abroad in South America, Europe, and Asia. However, his attorney stated he currently faces charges only in Maryland.

One church where he previously preached, New Chapel in Grand Rapids, Michigan (not affiliated with Assemblies of God), publicly confirmed it cut ties with Pinkerton months before his arrest, expressing support for the victims and commitment to justice.

Baltimore County police obtained a warrant for Pinkerton’s arrest in late June. He was apprehended by Georgia authorities during a July traffic stop and extradited to Maryland last week. A preliminary court hearing is scheduled for September 5.

Source: NBC NEWS