Father David Svihel carries the cross down Main Street in downtown Sarasota.

A former youth pastor in Baltimore, Maryland, has been arrested and accused of sexual abuse dating back nearly two decades.

Thomas Pinkerton, 52, has been charged with multiple sexual offenses that occurred between 2006 and 2010, Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD) said in a news release Aug. 7.

During the timeframe of the alleged abuse, Pinkerton worked at Central Christian Church in Baltimore, BCPD said. Officials believe the abuse occurred at the church and at Pinkerton’s home in Baltimore County.

Justin Hollimon, Pinkerton's lawyer, said in a statement to USA TODAY that he "vehemently denies the charges levied against him."

"We are privileged to live in a country where cases are tried in the courtroom and not the media," Hollimon said. "My client is confident that, when a jury of his peers hears these allegations, he will be found not guilty of all the charges."

Former youth pastor faces two dozen charges, more victims possible

According to court records, Pinkerton, who now lives in Winder, Georgia, is facing 24 criminal charges. They include:

  • Six counts of sexually abusing a minor
  • Six counts of second-degree child abuse
  • Six counts of second-degree assault
  • Four counts of fourth-degree sexual offense
  • Two counts of third-degree sexual offense

Pinkerton was extradited from Georgia to Maryland on Aug. 6 and is being held at the Baltimore County Detention Center on no bond, BCPD said.

Officials believe Pinkerton may have abused more victims who have yet to come forward, BCPD said. Anyone with information is asked to call 410-887-7720.

Church says arrest of former youth pastor is 'deeply heartbreaking'

Central Christian Church said in a statement on its website that Pinkerton was a staff member more than 15 years ago and has not been affiliated with the church since.

“This news is deeply heartbreaking,” said Larry Kirk, lead pastor of Central Christian. “We are committed to walking alongside these young men with compassion and support.”

The church said it has offered "counseling and spiritual support to those impacted" and is cooperating with law enforcement officials through the investigation.

“There is absolutely no place for abuse - ever - in the church,” Kirk said.

What we know about Thomas Pinkerton

According to a ministry website that appears to be run by Pinkerton and his wife, the couple share two sons and were married in 2000.

Pinkerton gave his first sermon when he was 17 years old, the website says. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in biblical studies from Southwestern Christian University in Oklahoma.

The ministry website appears to not have been updated since 2020. It's unclear whether he was working as a minister before his arrest.

Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached at melina.khan@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Former youth pastor arrested, accused of sexually abusing children nearly two decades ago

Reporting by Melina Khan, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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