LEONARDTOWN, MD — A St. Mary’s County man faces multiple charges after disrupting Christmas Eve services at two local churches, where he disturbed parishioners, threw objects, and allegedly threatened to harm attendees, according to the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office.
Thomas Campbell Bolling Von Goetz, 56, of Avenue, was arrested following the incidents at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Avenue and St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Leonardtown.
The first disruption occurred shortly after 5 p.m. at Holy Angels Catholic Church during Mass. Authorities said Von Goetz approached the altar, dropped an onion in the aisle, and caused a disturbance. A parishioner followed him outside to ensure he was leaving, at which point Von Goetz allegedly threw tangerines at the individual, striking them.
Later that night, during Midnight Mass at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Von Goetz reportedly poured whiskey into the holy water and made threats to harm those present. As church attendees escorted him outside, he allegedly attempted to strike several individuals with a whiskey bottle before being restrained by parishioners until deputies arrived.
Von Goetz was transported to MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital for a medical evaluation and is now facing charges for his actions at both locations.
The incidents disrupted solemn Christmas Eve services, leaving parishioners shaken but unharmed. Authorities continue to investigate the matter.