Former Maryland Youth Minister Thomas Pinkerton Jr. Faces 24 Counts in Child Sex Abuse Case

Thomas Pinkerton Jr., a former youth pastor at Central Christian Church in Baltimore County, was arrested on multiple child sex abuse charges. He pleaded not guilty, his attorney said

Thomas Pinkerton Jr., a former youth minister in Maryland, allegedly told children in his youth group that it was normal for a pastor to kiss boys on the lips, claiming it was how Jesus greeted his disciples, according to an arrest warrant made public last week.

Pinkerton, 52, known as "Pastor Tommy," is accused of sexually abusing six teenagers between 2006 and 2010 while working at Central Christian Church, an Assemblies of God congregation in Baltimore County. He was extradited from Georgia to Maryland last Wednesday and is being held without bond on 24 felony and misdemeanor charges. His attorney, Justin Hollimon, stated that Pinkerton pleaded not guilty.

The arrest warrant details allegations of inappropriate touching and kissing involving six victims, ages 13 to 19, at both the church and Pinkerton’s former Maryland home. A seventh man reported abuse in Georgia, prompting authorities there to open an investigation. Detectives suspect there may be additional victims and urge others to come forward.

Pinkerton, a traveling evangelist in recent years, was "completely shocked" by the charges, his attorney said. Hollimon described him as a pastor dedicated to his community and filed a motion for a new bond hearing after an initial request was denied.

The case emerges amid broader scrutiny of the Assemblies of God, the world’s largest Pentecostal denomination, following multiple child sex abuse allegations. Last week, an investigation revealed how an Assemblies of God-affiliated college ministry directed students to the home of Daniel Savala, a convicted sex offender. Church leaders addressed abuse concerns during a recent conference, pledging reforms while defending their handling of past cases.

According to the warrant, seven men came forward last fall, alleging Pinkerton engaged in inappropriate massages, genital touching, and forced kisses he called "heavenly" or "brotherly," comparing them to biblical greetings. He reportedly referred to the victims as his "favorites" and himself as their "spiritual father."

Assemblies of God officials distanced themselves from Pinkerton, noting he was never formally credentialed by the denomination. Benjamin Rainey Jr., a regional leader, expressed sadness over the allegations.

Central Christian Church stated Pinkerton left over 15 years ago and has no current affiliation. Since the allegations surfaced, more individuals in multiple states have reported similar experiences. Lead Pastor Larry Kirk condemned abuse, stating it has "no place in the church."

Pinkerton has preached in at least six U.S. states and internationally. One Michigan church, New Chapel, severed ties with him months before his arrest, expressing heartbreak over the allegations and pledging cooperation with authorities.

Pinkerton was arrested in Georgia in July during a traffic stop and extradited to Maryland. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 5.