A Maryland man was arrested after he disrupted two local churches’ Christmas Eve services, including pouring whiskey into the holy water.
The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office reported the arrest of Thomas Campbell Bolling Von Goetz, 56, of Avenue. He was charged with multiple offenses after causing a disturbance during religious services, putting citizens at risk.
On Christmas Eve, a little after 5 pm, Von Goetz made his way into Holy Angels Catholic Church in Avenue while a Mass was ongoing. He proceeded to the altar, leaving an onion in the aisle, creating a disruption among the worshippers.
According to deputies, an eyewitness trailed Von Goetz outside the church to ensure he was leaving the premises. It was during this time that Von Goetz allegedly attacked another individual by pelting him with tangerines.
In this Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009 photo, Lavon Ferrell, left front, attends Sunday Mass at Saint Mary the Virgin Catholic Church in Arlington, Texas. The conservative church became a Roman Catholic church in 1994 after it left the Episcopal Church. (AP Photo/Amy Gutierrez)
Von Goetz was then transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation.
On December 26, 2024, deputies said Von Goetz was arrested and charged with Second-Degree Assault, Disorderly Conduct, Defacing Religious Property, Religious Crime Against a Group, Obstructing a Religious Exercise, Threat of Mass Violence and Disturbing the Peace.
He is currently being held at St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center, pending an appearance before a District Court Commissioner.
Stepheny Price is writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. Story tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com
