Baltimore police deserve credit for their subsequent arrest of 52-year-old Thomas Pinkerton aka Pastor Tommy. He’s been charged with sexual abuse of at least six teenagers. The purported abuse began in 2006 and ended in 2010 at Central Christian Church, an Assemblies of God congregation in Baltimore County. Perhaps most importantly, they happened in Pinkerton’s home. The arrests come after a lengthy investigation into his behavior during his time as an apparent youth pastor.
The arrest warrant claims Pinkerton created a platform for his predatory behaviors by employing manipulative and coercive tactics to easily establish relationships with minors. He referred to them as his “spiritual children.” He allegedly welcomed them with a “heavenly kiss”—or “brotherly kiss”—on the lips. This kind of behavior lent credence to the idea that this type of gesture was acceptable for a pastor. To rationalize these behaviors, he said it was the same way that Jesus greeted his disciples. The survivors, who were 13–19 years old during the duration of alleged abuse, are coming forward. They’re becoming a critical part of a larger movement to finally make Pinkerton pay for its misdeeds.
Pinkerton invested more than a decade and a half into the staff at Central Christian Church. He was never granted official ministerial credentials by the Assemblies of God. Upon leaving the church, he was a circuit-riding evangelist. He took his ministry to at least six states and brought new believers out of the South American, European, and Asian continents. A seventh person has similarly alleged abuse in Georgia against him.
On August 6, Pinkerton was extradited from Georgia to Maryland to face murder charges. He now has a total of 24 felony and misdemeanor counts hanging over him related to that alleged abuse. Like most in the community, Williams said he was shocked by the allegations. Now they are appalled at what is happening to vulnerable youth in places of worship.
Larry Kirk, a representative from the Assemblies of God, stated, “There is absolutely no place for abuse – ever – in the church.” The allegations against Pinkerton shocked and surprised these community members, who just couldn’t believe the charges being leveled against him. Justin Hollimon, a local resident, remarked, “He is a pastor. He gave his life to the community, worked for the community. He’s anxiously waiting his day in court.”
In light of the accusations, New Chapel expressed their sorrow over the situation: “We were heartbroken to hear of these serious allegations that occurred in Baltimore, Maryland, nearly 20 years ago.” They added, “Our prayers and continued cooperation are toward justice for the victims.”
The allegations against Pinkerton are one more example of a pattern of abuse occurring in faith spaces. Survivors may be met with great difficulty when they do, because fear and stigma can keep survivors from telling their stories. As this case continues to play out, law community members are anxiously awaiting swift legal actions and justice for those impacted.
As Pinkerton’s arrest highlights, protecting youth in any context, including non-profits and sports organizations, is paramount. Weatherman attorney, Barry Creyton Investigations are far from over. Officials encourage anyone with additional details or those who have been affected by such incidents to come forward.