A man from Maryland He was arrested after he disrupted Christmas services at two local churches, including pouring whiskey into holy water.
St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office Thomas Campbell Bolling von Goetz, 56, of Avenue, was arrested and charged with several counts after causing a scene during religious services and endangering citizens, he announced.
Shortly after 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve, deputies said von Goetz entered Holy Angels Catholic Church on the Avenue During the Mass, he approached the altar and dropped an onion in the aisle, disturbing the peace of those present.
Deputies said a witness followed Von Goetz as he left the church to make sure he left, saw him, and then assaulted another person by throwing tangerines at him.
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A Maryland man has been charged with disrupting church services on Christmas Eve and disturbing parishioners. (St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office)
Later that night, 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 holy water and He threatened to harm parishioners.
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BAGHDAD, IRAQ – APRIL 7: Worshipers pray at the Mass of Pope John Paul II on April 7, 2005 at the Catholic Church in Baghdad, Iraq. Pope John Paul II died in his Vatican residence on April 2 at the age of 84. His funeral will be held in St. Peter's Square on Friday, April 8. Cardinals under the age of 80 will begin the conclave on April 18, when the new pope will be chosen. (Photo by Wathiq Khuzaei/Getty Images) (2005 Getty Images)
As church attendees escorted him from the building, deputies said he unsuccessfully tried to hit several people with a whiskey bottle.
Parishioners were able to detain Von Goetz until deputies arrived.
In this photo taken on Sunday, October 25, 2009, Lavon Ferrell, front left, attends Sunday Mass at St. 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 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 practice, 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 the District Court Commissioner.
Stephenie Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. Tips and story ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com
