Yesterday, Detectives from our Major Crimes Bureau Child Abuse Squad arrested a 61-year-old former youth leader for multiple sexual assaults against a juvenile. Detectives were notified last month by a family member that the victim was sexually assaulted by a member of Saint Matthews United Methodist Church in Annandale. This member had periodically been a leader in youth activities but has not held that position since 2020.
Detectives determined, Thomas Weaver, of Fairfax, joined Saint Matthews United Methodist Church, at 8617 Little River Turnpike in 2001. On multiple occasions since 2020, Weaver coerced the victim to meet him in a secluded area in Annandale. Once there, Weaver sexually assaulted the victim. Yesterday, detectives executed a search warrant at Weaver’s residence. During the search warrant, detectives recovered numerous images of child pornography. Weaver was taken into custody and charged with twenty counts of possession of child pornography, and five counts of indecent liberties of a minor by a custodian. He is currently being held at the Adult Detention Center without bond.
Saint Matthews United Methodist Church has been fully cooperating with the police on this matter. The church also notified the Fairfax County Child Protective Services with concerns about Weaver.
Detectives believe there may be additional victims as Weaver possibly worked as a youth leader at various churches in the past. Detectives have not yet identified the previous locations of his employment but are asking anyone with information about this case or believe Weaver had inappropriate contact with them or their child to please call our Major Crimes Bureau at 703-246-7800, option 3. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone – 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477), and by web – Click HERE. Download the ‘P3 Tips’ App “Fairfax Co Crime Solvers”. Anonymous tipsters are eligible for cash rewards of $100 to $1,000 dollars. Please leave contact information if you wish for a detective to follow up with you.
Victim specialists from our Victim Services Division have been assigned to ensure that the victim receive appropriate resources and assistance.
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