BALTIMORE COUNTY, Md. — Thomas Pinkerton Jr., a former youth pastor in Baltimore County, has entered a guilty plea regarding the sexual abuse of a minor. The plea occurred on Monday, as confirmed by a spokesperson from the Baltimore County State's Attorney's Office.
The 52-year-old was arrested in August 2025 following allegations that date back to incidents occurring between 2006 and 2010. Authorities reported that the abuse took place at his residence in Perry Hall and at the Central Christian Church, located on Rossville Boulevard in Rosedale.
The investigation began in late October 2024 when police received a report from a man in West Virginia who claimed to have been victimized by Pinkerton. The individual described the initial stages of the abuse, which included inappropriate massages and hand-holding, accompanied by Pinkerton expressing affection with phrases like, "I love you, son." The situation escalated, with the victim alleging that Pinkerton touched him inappropriately multiple times under the guise of humor.
Charging documents reveal that police spoke with seven men who were potential victims, many of whom had similar experiences and viewed Pinkerton as a mentor or father figure. One victim recalled Pinkerton's warning that exposure of the abuse would lead to devastating consequences.
After gathering testimonies from the victims, law enforcement secured an arrest warrant for Pinkerton, who was living in Georgia at the time. He was extradited back to Maryland to face charges, with one victim reporting an assault that took place in Georgia while the others occurred in Baltimore County.
Pinkerton was initially charged with 24 counts, including 14 felonies. In a statement regarding the situation, Larry Kirk, Lead Pastor at Central Christian Church, expressed deep sorrow over the allegations and emphasized the church's commitment to supporting the victims and cooperating with authorities.
Pinkerton pleaded guilty to one count of sexual abuse, with prosecutors seeking a four-year prison sentence. His sentencing is scheduled for December 14.
Reported by HarborBeat based on WMAR 2 News (source).
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