Image sources: Thomas Pinkerton, courtesy of the Baltimore County Police Department. Google Street View of Central Christian in Baltimore, MD, © Google, via Google Maps.
Former youth pastor Thomas George Pinkerton Jr., also known as “Tommy,” has recently been extradited from Georgia, where he lives with his wife and three children, to face 24 charges related to the sexual abuse of six victims. A seventh man has also accused Pinkerton of abuse in Georgia.
CBS News Baltimore reports that Pinkerton, 52, has “been a pastor in at least five states and has run mission trips to other countries,” including Ukraine, Mexico, Peru, and the Philippines. According to his biography, he “received the call to ministry” at age 12 and preached his first sermon at 17. For decades, Pinkerton held positions that placed him in sustained contact with youth and granted him the trust and authority often afforded to religious leaders.
The Charges Pinkerton is Facing
According to court records, the Maryland charges are made up of multiple counts of second-degree child abuse by a custodian, sexual abuse of a minor, third- and fourth-degree sexual offenses, and second-degree assault. The alleged abuse occurred between 2006 and 2010, during his tenure as youth pastor at Central Christian on Rossville Boulevard in Baltimore, MD. Investigators say the abuse took place both at the church and at his home in Perry Hall.
A Pattern of Grooming
The investigation began in October 2024, when a man living in West Virginia called police to report that Pinkerton had abused him when he was a minor. The victim alleged the abuse began with massages, hand-holding, and statements such as, “I love you, son.” Pinkerton also reportedly touched the victim’s genitals in a “joking manner.” (WMAR 2)
The victim provided police with the names of other victims, leading investigators to interview six other men who gave eerily similar accounts.
The victims’ ages ranged from 13 to 19 at the time of the alleged abuse. Several said Pinkerton had “favorites” in the youth group—boys who received special attention. They reportedly “would sit closer to Pinkerton, ride with him to church events in the church van, and spend more time with him.” (WZZM 13)
Accusations Against the Self-Proclaimed “Spiritual Father”
Pinkerton manipulated boys into seeing him as a trusted figure—calling himself their “spiritual father,” “spiritual leader,” or “mentor,” and cultivating “father/son” relationships that blurred boundaries and increased his influence over them.
According to court documents, one victim recalled Pinkerton saying that Spartans engaged in sexual acts to strengthen bonds and ensure protection — prompting the victim to think, “‘that is such a groomer thing to say.’” (WZZM 13)
Pinkerton reportedly coerced the boys into kissing, hugging, and shirtless massages, often at his Perry Hall home. He would repeatedly grope them. One victim “noticed that when the youth group would go on missions out of state, Pinkerton would have boys sleep with him in his bed.” (WZZM 13)
One victim explained that Pinkerton justified mouth-to-mouth kisses as a “‘heavenly kiss,’” claiming that “‘this was how Jesus would greet his disciples.’” (WZZM 13) To another victim, “‘Pinkerton explained…that this was how men greeted in his family and that it was a brotherly kiss,’ read court documents.” (WZZM 13)
One victim recalled being warned not to tell anyone “‘because it would destroy everything.’” (WZZM 13)
Concerns Raised in Michigan
While Pinkerton’s Maryland charges stem from reported incidents between 2006 and 2010, questions about his conduct emerged more recently in Michigan. Pinkerton was involved with New Chapel church in Grand Rapids, MI, where he acted as treasurer and youth group leader for years.
A former church member, Tory Grunwell, told 13 On Your Side that when she raised concerns about Pinkerton being under investigation for alleged sexual abuse of children in another state, church leaders initially ignored her. They later confirmed her concerns privately but never warned the congregation. Grunwell alleged that New Chapel sent messages to youth when Pinkerton was in town and described him publicly singling out her teenage son during services with spiritual praise.
She urged church members to release a statement so parents could be informed. “After bringing up the allegations to other church members, [Grunwell] said she was blocked and cut off, and not allowed back to the church. She claimed several members of the church, for whom she worked as a housekeeper, fired her.” (WZZM 13)
Any trace of “Pastor Tommy” has since been removed from New Chapel’s website. They released a statement saying that they severed all ties with him months ago.
Central Christian’s Response
Central Christian has issued a public statement noting that Pinkerton left the church more than 15 years ago and that it is offering counseling to those impacted.
However, the statement fails to address why clear warning signs — such as cultivating “favorites,” blurring personal boundaries with youth, and engaging in excessive one-on-one contact — were not recognized and addressed at the time. These red flags should have prompted immediate intervention, not belated acknowledgment more than a decade later.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities believe there may be additional victims who have yet to come forward. Anyone with information can contact the Crimes Against Children Unit at 410-887-7720.
Pinkerton was denied bail due to concerns that he is a flight risk and a danger to public safety. His attorney claims that Pinkerton is “dumbfounded” by the allegations and “‘hurt that these allegations have come towards him from people that he loved.’” (CBS News)
Pinkerton’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 5, 2025.
Abuse in Positions of Religious Leadership
While abuse can occur in any setting, religious leaders often hold deep trust and authority in their communities, a dynamic that predators often exploit. Churches give leaders close access to youth through programs and trips, and a culture of deference can make it difficult to question or report inappropriate behavior. In some cases, abusers use spiritual language to normalize abuse, as Pinkerton allegedly did by describing sexual contact as a biblical greeting.
Andreozzi + Foote – Representing Survivors in Maryland and Nationwide
Andreozzi + Foote represents survivors of sexual abuse in Maryland and across the country, holding negligent institutions accountable through civil lawsuits.
If you or someone you know was harmed by Pinkerton or another religious leader, we encourage you to reach out to our team. Your information will be handled confidentially, and there is no obligation to pursue legal action unless you choose to do so.
Contact Andreozzi + Foote for a free, confidential consultation today.
