A Maryland man has been arrested for disrupting Christmas Eve services at two local churches, including pouring whiskey into holy water.
The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office said Thomas Campbell Bolling von Goetz, 56, of Avenue, was arrested on suspicion of causing a disturbance during a religious service and endangering residents, and was charged with multiple charges. It was announced that he had been charged with a crime.
Just after 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve, von Goetz and others entered Holy Angels Catholic Church on Avenue during Mass, approached the altar and dropped onions on the aisle, disturbing the peace of those in attendance, deputies said.
Deputies said a witness followed von Goetz to see him leave the church and then saw him assault another person by throwing a mandarin orange at him.
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A Maryland man is accused of disrupting a Christmas Eve church service and causing a nuisance to parishioners. (St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office)
Later that night, deputies said von Goetz attacked again, this time during midnight mass at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Leonardtown.
Deputies said von Goetz disrupted the church service by pouring whiskey on holy water and threatened to harm parishioners.
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BAGHDAD, IRAQ – APRIL 7: Believers pray during a service for Pope John Paul II at a Catholic church on April 7, 2005 in Baghdad, Iraq. Pope John Paul II died on April 2 at his official residence in the Vatican at the age of 84. His funeral will be held in St. Peter's Square on Friday, April 8th. Cardinals under 80 will begin a conclave on April 18, during which a new pope will be elected. (Photo by Wathiq Khuzaie/Getty Images) (2005 Getty Images)
As church attendees escorted him from the building, police officials said he tried unsuccessfully to hit several people with a whiskey bottle.
Parishioners were able to detain von Goetz until deputies arrived.
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In this Sunday, October 25, 2009 photo, Lavon Ferrell (front left) attends Sunday Mass at St. Mary the Virgin Catholic Church in Arlington, Texas. This conservative church became Roman Catholic in 1994 after breaking away from the Anglican Church. (AP Photo/Amy Gutierrez)
Von Goetz was then taken to a local hospital for medical evaluation.
On December 26, 2024, agents charged von Goetz with second-degree assault, disorderly conduct, damage to religious property, religious crimes against a group, disrupting religious exercises, threats of group violence, and disturbing the peace. It was announced that he had been arrested and charged.
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He is currently being held at the St. Mary's County Detention and Rehabilitation Center awaiting an appearance before the District Court Commissioner.
Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. Story tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com.
