A Maryland man was arrested on Christmas Eve after disrupting church services at two different churches and allegedly pouring whiskey into holy water.
Thomas Campbell Bolling Von Goetz, 56, was taken into custody after causing disturbances at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Avenue, Maryland, and St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Leonardtown... Continue reading here ▶
According to the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, Von Goetz allegedly threw produce at churchgoers and poured whiskey into holy water. He also reportedly threatened someone with the whiskey bottle.
The first incident happened during a 5:00 p.m. service at Holy Angels Church. Police say Von Goetz approached the altar and dropped an onion in the aisle, disrupting the service. When someone escorted him outside, he allegedly threw tangerines at them.
Later, at the midnight mass at St. Francis Xavier Church, Von Goetz allegedly poured whiskey into the holy water and threatened parishioners.
When he was escorted out of the church, he reportedly attempted to attack them with the whiskey bottle. Parishioners detained him until deputies arrived and took him to MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital for evaluation.
Von Goetz was arrested on December 26 and faces several charges, including second-degree assault, disorderly conduct, defacing religious property, and disturbing the peace. He is currently being held at the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center until his first court date.
