Nationwide — Thomas Pinkerton, a 52-year-old former youth pastor from Baltimore County, Maryland, has been arrested and extradited from Georgia to face sex abuse charges tied to incidents that allegedly happened between 2006 and 2010.
Police say the abuse took place at Central Christian Church on Rossville Boulevard and at Pinkerton’s Baltimore County home. He is now being held without bond at the Baltimore County Detention Center.
According to WSB-TV, the case began in October 2024, when a man in West Virginia called police claiming Pinkerton abused him years ago. The caller described the abuse starting with massages, hand holding, and whispered phrases like “I love you, son.” He later gave police names of other possible victims.
Investigators have since interviewed seven men. Some said the abuse happened when they were minors. Baltimore County detectives believe more victims may still be out there and are asking anyone with information to come forward.
Central Christian Church confirmed Pinkerton had worked there more than 15 years ago but said he was no longer connected to the church after leaving to start his own ministry. Lead Pastor Larry Kirk called the allegations “deeply heartbreaking” and said the church is offering counseling and support to those affected.
Kirk added that the reports came to light after one man stepped forward, leading others in Maryland and other states to share similar experiences. He stressed that the church has zero tolerance for abuse, stating, “There is absolutely no place for abuse — ever — in the church.”
Baltimore County police continue their investigation as Pinkerton awaits legal proceedings.