A man from Maryland was arrested after disrupting Christmas Eve services at two local churches, including by pouring whiskey into holy water.
The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office announced that Thomas Campbell Bolling Von Goetz, 56, of Avenue, was arrested and charged with multiple felonies after causing a disturbance at church services and endangering citizens.
Shortly after 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve, officials said Von Goetz entered Holy Angels Catholic Church on Avenue During a mass, he approached the altar and dropped an onion into the central aisle, disturbing the peace of those present.
Deputies said a witness followed Von Goetz as he exited the church to make sure he left the church and then saw him attack another person by throwing tangerines at them.
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A Maryland man is accused of disrupting Christmas Eve church services and disturbing parishioners. (St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office)
Later that evening, deputies said von Goetz struck again, this time during midnight mass at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Leonardtown.
Deputies said Von Goetz disrupted the service by pouring whiskey into the holy water threatened to harm community members.
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BAGHDAD, IRAQ – APRIL 7: Worshipers pray at a service for Pope John Paul II on April 7, 2005 at a Catholic church in Baghdad, Iraq. Pope John Paul II died at his Vatican residence on April 2 at the age of 84. His funeral will take place on Friday, April 8, in St. Peter’s Square. For cardinals under the age of 80, the conclave begins on April 18 to elect a new pope. (Photo by Wathiq Khuzaie/Getty Images) (2005 Getty Images)
As churchgoers escorted him out of the building, officials said he tried unsuccessfully to hit several people with a whiskey bottle.
Community members were able to hold Von Goetz until officers arrived.
In this photo from Sunday, October 25, 2009, 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 leaving the Episcopal Church. (AP Photo/Amy Gutierrez)
Von Goetz was then taken to a local hospital for a 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, threatening mass violence and disturbing the peace.
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He is currently being held at the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center awaiting an appearance before a county 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
