Whiskey, Onions, and Midnight Madness: Maryland Man Arrested for Bizarre Christmas Eve Church Disruptions
Leonardtown, Maryland – In a series of surreal and unsettling incidents on Christmas Eve, a Maryland man was taken into custody after allegedly disrupting services at two Catholic churches, leaving parishioners shocked and shaken.
The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as Thomas Campbell Bolling Von Goetz, 56, who now faces a litany of charges following his bizarre actions that included defiling sacred rituals, issuing threats, and assaulting attendees.
The first incident unfolded at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Avenue around 5 PM, where Von Goetz disrupted the solemnity of a Christmas Mass. Witnesses recounted seeing him stride down the aisle toward the altar, only to inexplicably drop an onion mid-ceremony, sending murmurs of confusion through the congregation. As he exited, his erratic behavior escalated. Von Goetz reportedly threw tangerines at a bystander, an action that law enforcement described as “unprovoked and aggressive.”
But the drama didn’t end there. Hours later, during Midnight Mass at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Leonardtown, Von Goetz returned to the scene of worship—this time, armed with whiskey. In a shocking display, he allegedly poured the liquor into the church’s holy water font, desecrating the sacred vessel. He then issued threats toward parishioners, further heightening the tension.
When several brave attendees attempted to escort him out, Von Goetz reportedly swung the whiskey bottle at them in an attempt to fend off their efforts. However, parishioners managed to subdue him until law enforcement arrived at the scene.
Following his apprehension, Von Goetz was taken to a local hospital for a medical evaluation before being formally arrested on December 26, 2024. Authorities have charged him with an array of offenses, including Second-Degree Assault, Disorderly Conduct, Defacing Religious Property, Obstructing a Religious Exercise, Threat of Mass Violence, and Disturbing the Peace.
“This was a deeply troubling incident, especially on a night meant for peace and reflection,” said a spokesperson for the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office. “The actions of Mr. Von Goetz disrupted the spiritual experience of two communities and put innocent people at risk.”
Von Goetz remains in custody at the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center, awaiting an appearance before a District Court Commissioner.
The bizarre nature of the crimes has left locals puzzled. While the motives behind Von Goetz’s actions remain unclear, the incidents have reignited discussions on the importance of security measures at places of worship.
For now, both parishes are focused on restoring the sanctity of their sacred spaces. “We are heartbroken by the disruption but grateful for the courage of our parishioners and the swift response of law enforcement,” a statement from St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church read.
As the community processes the events of this unusual Christmas Eve, they are reminded of the enduring message of hope and resilience during the holiday season.
