5 Shocking Facts About Married Youth Pastor Thomas Callaway's Fall From Grace

The story of Thomas "Tommy" Callaway remains a cautionary tale of a public figure whose life unraveled in a single, impulsive moment of misconduct caught on live television. As of today, December 10, 2025, the former youth minister’s name is permanently linked to the viral video that captured him committing misdemeanor sexual battery against a female reporter during a live broadcast, an act that shattered his reputation and led to immediate legal repercussions. The incident and its aftermath raise serious questions about accountability, especially for those in positions of moral authority.

This article provides a deep dive into the incident, the legal fallout, the details of his sentencing, and the long-term consequences for the man once known as a respected community leader and Boy Scout volunteer in Statesboro, Georgia. The stark contrast between his public role and his private actions continues to generate discussion years later.

Thomas Callaway: Biography and Public Profile

The man at the center of the controversy is Thomas "Tommy" Callaway, a resident of Statesboro, Georgia, who was 43 years old at the time of the incident in late 2019. His public profile before the viral video was one of a dedicated community member and family man.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

• Full Name: Thomas "Tommy" Callaway.
• Age at Incident: 43 years old.
• Residence: Statesboro, Georgia.
• Primary Roles: Church Youth Minister (often referred to as 'youth pastor') and Boy Scout Leader.
• Key Incident: Charged with misdemeanor sexual battery in December 2019.
• Victim: Reporter Alex Bozarjian of WSAV-TV.
• Legal Outcome: Pleaded guilty to misdemeanor sexual battery.
• Sentence: One year of probation and a $1,000 fine.

Callaway’s role as a youth minister, a position that requires trust and moral integrity, amplified the shock and public outrage following the incident. His actions were viewed not just as a crime against an individual, but as a violation of the trust placed in him by his church and community.

The Shocking Incident That Went Viral: The Enmarket Savannah Bridge Run

The event that irrevocably changed Thomas Callaway’s life occurred on December 7, 2019, during the live coverage of the Enmarket Savannah Bridge Run in Savannah, Georgia. WSAV-TV reporter Alex Bozarjian was stationed along the race route, providing commentary as runners passed her location.

As Callaway ran past the camera, he abruptly reached out, slapped, and groped Bozarjian on her buttocks. The moment was captured entirely on the live broadcast, showing the reporter's visible shock and immediate loss of composure as she processed the assault.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

The video clip quickly went viral across social media platforms, sparking a national conversation about workplace harassment, the objectification of women, and the entitlement of public figures. The sheer brazenness of the act, committed in broad daylight and on live television, made the footage undeniable evidence of the assault.

The Immediate Fallout and Public Condemnation

The reaction was swift and overwhelmingly negative. Within hours, the video had been viewed millions of times, and Callaway was identified by online sleuths and local authorities. The reporter, Alex Bozarjian, publicly addressed the incident, stating that Callaway had "violated" and "embarrassed" her, and she filed a police report.

Callaway’s initial response, in a televised interview, was to claim the contact was accidental, stating he was simply "caught up in the moment" and didn't realize he had touched her in that manner. This explanation was widely dismissed by the public and legal experts, given the clear and deliberate nature of the motion seen in the video.

• 7 Shocking Things Jessica Capshaw Revealed About Growing Up With Steven Spielberg As Her Stepfather 892ho

The community institutions Callaway was associated with also took quick action. While the specific church was not widely named in national reports, his employment as a youth minister and his role as a Boy Scout leader were immediately terminated following the public outcry and subsequent arrest. The incident served as a dramatic example of how quickly a person's reputation and career can be destroyed by a single, documented lapse in judgment.

The Legal Consequences and Sentencing Details

Following the filing of the police report, Thomas Callaway was arrested and charged with misdemeanor sexual battery in Chatham County, Georgia. The legal proceedings moved relatively quickly due to the clear evidence presented by the video recording.

In early 2020, Callaway appeared in court and formally pleaded guilty to the charge of misdemeanor sexual battery. This guilty plea was a formal admission of guilt, contradicting his earlier claims that the contact was accidental.

The judge handed down a sentence that included:

• Probation: One year of probation.
• Fine: A $1,000 fine.
• Community Service: Additional community service hours were also mandated, though the exact number was not always specified in initial reports.

While some public commentators felt the sentence was lenient for a sexual crime, the conviction of misdemeanor sexual battery, coupled with the permanent stain on his public record, represented a significant legal consequence. The guilty plea ensured that the incident would be a permanent part of his criminal history.

The Long-Term Aftermath and Current Status in 2025

Years after the incident and his subsequent sentencing, Thomas Callaway's life has been fundamentally altered. The consequences of his actions extended far beyond the courtroom and the initial loss of his ministry and Boy Scout roles.

Professional and Spiritual Life: The title "youth minister" carries a heavy expectation of moral conduct. The conviction for sexual battery made it virtually impossible for Callaway to return to any position of authority within a church, ministry, or youth organization. The breach of trust was too severe and too public to overcome.

Reputational Damage: The viral nature of the video ensures that the incident is permanently attached to his name. A simple online search for "Thomas Callaway" immediately brings up the details of the assault, making it a permanent barrier to professional and social opportunities that require a clean public image.

The Victim's Advocacy: Alex Bozarjian, the victim, used the incident to become an advocate against workplace harassment. Her poise and decision to pursue charges were praised by many as an empowering example for other victims of sexual assault and harassment. Her public stance ensured that Callaway's actions had lasting consequences.

Current Status (2025): While details about Callaway's current day-to-day life remain private, public records and the nature of his conviction suggest he is living a life far removed from his former public roles. His probation period is complete, but the social and professional exile resulting from the incident remains a permanent reality. The focus of his life has shifted from a position of community leadership to one of private existence following a major public scandal.

Lessons Learned from the Thomas Callaway Controversy

The case of the married youth pastor, Thomas Callaway, serves as a powerful illustration of several critical societal issues, especially in the era of ubiquitous cameras and social media.

Firstly, it underscores the importance of accountability for public figures, particularly those in religious or educational roles. The title of 'pastor' or 'minister' does not grant immunity from the law or from public scrutiny. When moral leaders fail, the consequences are often more severe because the breach of trust is greater.

Secondly, the incident highlighted the pervasive problem of sexual harassment in the workplace and the casual entitlement that often fuels it. Bozarjian was simply doing her job when she was assaulted, and her decision to press charges sent a clear message that such behavior, even in a fleeting moment, will not be tolerated.

Finally, the entire episode is a stark reminder of the power of digital media. The live video acted as irrefutable evidence, ensuring that the victim's story was believed and that the perpetrator faced justice. For Callaway, the "viral moment" became a life-altering sentence that continues to define his public identity years later.

His story is a permanent fixture in the modern discourse on ethics, media transparency, and the consequences of public misconduct.