By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Thomas Pinkerton Jr., a former youth minister at an Assemblies of God church, faces multiple felony and misdemeanor charges in Maryland, stemming from allegations of sexually abusing six teenagers between 2006 and 2010. According to an arrest warrant, the alleged abuse involved inappropriate touching and kissing, with Pinkerton reportedly telling the boys that such acts were normal. The investigation began after seven men came forward with allegations, which also included massages and other inappropriate acts. Pinkerton, who is not formally credentialed as a minister with the denomination, is currently being held without bond, and a preliminary court hearing is scheduled for September 5th.
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Former youth pastor arrested after allegedly sexually abusing at least 6 teens. It’s almost a headline you expect to see these days, isn’t it? Thomas Pinkerton Jr., also known as “Pastor Tommy,” a name that should, in hindsight, have sent up red flags, is now facing serious charges. The allegations, spanning from 2006 to 2010, center around his time as a youth minister at Central Christian Church, an Assemblies of God church located in Baltimore County, Maryland. The details that have emerged are chilling, to say the least.
The alleged abuse, according to authorities, involved a range of offenses, including inappropriate touching and kissing. The victims, all teenagers, ranged in age from 13 to 19 at the time of the incidents. The arrest warrant indicates that the abuse occurred at the church itself and at Pinkerton’s former home in Maryland. The specific locations make this even more disturbing, the very places where these young people should have felt safe and supported.
Pinkerton’s alleged manipulation of his position of trust is deeply concerning. An arrest warrant made public last week states that he reportedly told children in his youth group that it was normal for a pastor to kiss boys on the lips, because that’s how Jesus greeted his disciples. Kissing was just the beginning, several men from Pinkerton’s former youth group told police. It is clear that he was using religious language to normalize his behavior and groom his victims. It also speaks to the devastating effects of such behavior on individuals and communities.
The investigation into Pinkerton’s actions didn’t stop in Maryland. Authorities in Georgia were also notified of a separate report alleging abuse, indicating that the scope of his alleged predatory behavior might extend beyond the initial charges. This broader pattern of abuse makes the whole situation even more harrowing.
Pinkerton, who was extradited from Georgia to Maryland, has pleaded not guilty to 24 felony and misdemeanor counts. However, the evidence collected seems damning. The fact that this individual had enough sway to make children feel comfortable with such behavior and in such places points to a deep-seated abuse of power.
The consistent thread here is the abuse of power and the betrayal of trust. It’s a pattern that’s sadly familiar, and it’s a reminder of the importance of vigilance. It makes me wonder about the many others, who, for whatever reason, will not report. This is about more than just the individual crimes. It’s a systemic problem that demands attention and action.
It’s frustrating that this continues to happen. It’s also essential to acknowledge the victims, and to extend our empathy and support to them. They deserve to be heard and to see justice served. It is always the people you least expect, which makes it even harder to spot and prevent.
This case also highlights a broader concern about the lack of oversight in certain religious organizations. It is imperative that such organizations have proper vetting processes for those working with children and that there are clear reporting structures for any suspected abuse. Two deep leadership is a good policy, but it doesn’t always prevent these tragedies. This story, unfortunately, is not unique. We read headlines like this far too often.
The fact that there are calls for justice, for action, and for increased vigilance is absolutely right. We need to safeguard our youth and our communities. It’s time to prioritize the safety of our children and hold those who abuse their positions of trust accountable. It is imperative that everyone involved is held accountable and that any potential enablers or those who turned a blind eye are also brought to justice. This includes everyone, regardless of their position or authority. The time for excuses is over.