Christian ‘Pastor Tommy’ pleads guilty after sexually abusing boys in his youth group. He framed some contact as ‘how Jesus greeted disciples’…”
Thomas Pinkerton Jr., 52, pleaded guilty Monday to one count of sexual abuse of a minor under a plea deal. He was a youth pastor at Central Christian Church in Rossville, Baltimore County.
Between 2006 and 2010, Pinkerton sexually abused teenage boys ages 12 to 17 at the time at the church and at his Baltimore County home. At least six men in Maryland (and reports of a seventh in Georgia) came forward describing a clear pattern: he showed favoritism to certain “athletic, good-looking, popular” boys he called his “favorites,” gave massages, held hands, touched them inappropriately, and even shared beds with boys during out-of-state mission trips while his wife stayed with the girls.
Victims described him as a “spiritual father” figure who crossed every boundary. He was arrested in Georgia in August 2025, extradited to Maryland, and initially faced 24 charges.
Under the plea, Pinkerton faces up to 4 years in prison, followed by 5 years of probation and lifetime sex offender registration.
Prosecutors plan to present accounts from additional victims at his December sentencing.
Another predator in a position of spiritual authority preyed on vulnerable boys for years.
How many more churches and communities will fail to protect kids until these “spiritual fathers” are finally held fully accountable?