Former Youth Pastor Thomas “Tommy” Pinkerton Faces 24 Sexual Abuse Charges in Maryland

Former youth pastor Thomas George Pinkerton Jr., also known as “Tommy,” has been extradited from Georgia to face 24 charges related to the sexual abuse of six victims. A seventh man has also accused Pinkerton of abuse in Georgia.

Pinkerton, 52, has served as a pastor in at least five states and led mission trips to countries such as Ukraine, Mexico, Peru, and the Philippines. His ministry began at a young age, with his first sermon at 17. For decades, he held positions involving sustained contact with youth, which placed him in a position of trust and authority.

The charges in Maryland include multiple counts of second-degree child abuse by a custodian, sexual abuse of a minor, third- and fourth-degree sexual offenses, and second-degree assault. The alleged abuse occurred between 2006 and 2010 during Pinkerton’s tenure as youth pastor at Central Christian Church in Baltimore. The abuse reportedly took place both at the church and at his home in Perry Hall.

The investigation began in October 2024, when a man in West Virginia reported that Pinkerton had abused him as a minor. The victim alleged the abuse started with massages, hand-holding, and statements such as, “I love you, son.” Pinkerton also reportedly touched the victim’s genitals in a “joking manner.”

The victim provided police with the names of other victims, leading to interviews with six other men who gave similar accounts. The victims’ ages ranged from 13 to 19 at the time of the alleged abuse. Several said Pinkerton had “favorites” in the youth group—boys who received special attention. They reportedly “would sit closer to Pinkerton, ride with him to church events in the church van, and spend more time with him.”

Pinkerton manipulated boys into seeing him as a trusted figure—calling himself their “spiritual father,” “spiritual leader,” or “mentor,” and cultivating “father/son” relationships that blurred boundaries and increased his influence over them.

According to court documents, one victim recalled Pinkerton saying that Spartans engaged in sexual acts to strengthen bonds and ensure protection — prompting the victim to think, “that is such a groomer thing to say.”

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