A former youth pastor who now lives in Winder has been extradited to Maryland on 24 charges related to sexual abuse of minors.
A statement from the Baltimore County Government said that their police department’s Crimes Against Children Unit arrested 52-year-old Thomas Pinkerton, Jr. on charges stemming from abuse that occurred between 2006 and 2010.
The abuse allegedly occurred while Pinkerton worked at Central Christian Church in Baltimore.
The church released a statement on Aug. 7, saying that the matter became known after one of the alleged victims “had the courage to step forward.” Since then, more individuals have stepped forward, including people from other states after his departure more than 15 years ago.
“This news is deeply heartbreaking,” Larry Kirk, Lead Pastor of Central Christian, said. “We are committed to walking alongside these young men with compassion and support.”
The church has offered counseling for those impacted.
The Baltimore County Government’s statement said it is suspected that the abuse occurred at the church and at Pinkerton’s Baltimore County home.
Court records and records from the Barrow County Tax Assessor show a residence on Hummingbird Way in Winder as Pinkerton’s current home.
“There is absolutely no place for abuse ever in the church,” Kirk said.
Pinkerton is currently being held in the Baltimore County Detention Center without bond.
He faces 12 felony charges and 12 misdemeanors in the District Court for Baltimore County with a preliminary hearing set for Sept. 5.
Those charges include:
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Six felony counts of child abuse in the second degree
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Six felony counts of sex abuse of a minor
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Six misdemeanor counts of assault in the second degree
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Four misdemeanor counts of sex offender in the fourth degree
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Two misdemeanor counts of sex offense in the third degree
Detectives believe there may be more victims of Pinkerton’s abuse and urge anyone with information to come forward and call their Crimes Against Children Unit at (410) 887-7720.
