The following is an official statement from the Archdiocese of Baltimore:
Terence Smalls, a former volunteer at the Church of the Nativity in Timonium, was arrested yesterday on charges of child sex abuse. Mr. Smalls began volunteer work with the church in 2010 and was involved in various children’s programs. On December 2, 2016, after being given permission by the Police to do so, the Church of the Nativity sent an email to its parishioners indicating that a volunteer was under investigation by Baltimore County Police after an allegation of sexual abuse with a minor had arisen earlier that week. In the email, people with additional information were asked by the parish to contact Baltimore County Police.
The Archdiocese and the Church of the Nativity have been cooperating with authorities since they immediately reported the matter on November 27, 2016. They appreciate the work of the Baltimore County Police in this matter. All Archdiocesan volunteers who work with children are screened for criminal histories and the national sex offender registry, and go through training on how to recognize, prevent, and report child abuse. Mr. Smalls went through this process in 2010 and again in 2015.
The Archdiocese of Baltimore and the Church of the Nativity are committed to protecting children and helping to heal victims of abuse. We urge anyone who has any knowledge of any child sexual abuse to come forward and to report it immediately to civil authorities (Baltimore County Police, Crimes Against Children Unit: 410-853-3650). If Church personnel is suspected of committing the abuse, we ask that you also call the Archdiocesan Office of Child and Youth Protection Hotline at 1-866-417-7469.