What Happened Next: Pastor's Trial Reset for April

By Douglas Walker
The Star Press
October 20, 2012

http://www.thestarpress.com/article/20121021/NEWS01/310210020/Pastor-s-trial-reset-April?nclick_check=1

MUNCIE - A Muncie pastor's trial on allegations he sexually abused two teen members of his congregation has been postponed again, and is now set for next spring.

If Matthew A. Kidd, 56, stands trial as scheduled on April 22, more than four years will have passed since the filing of the charges against him: Child molesting and sexual misconduct with a minor, both Class C felonies carrying standard four-year prison terms.

Kidd, the pastor of Freedom Point Apostolic Church, is accused of abusing the then-teens, who are brothers, between 2002 and 2005.

A Delaware Circuit Court 3 jury last January deadlocked on the two charges pending against Kidd.

That panel did find the pastor not guilty of a third charge, vicarious sexual gratification, which was based on allegations made by another member of the same family.

Kidd was defended in this year's trial by private counsel Steven Bruce, who has since left the case.

The pastor requested appointment of a public defender, and is now represented by Ross Rowland.

Chief Deputy Prosecutor Judi Calhoun last week objected to Rowland's request for a continuance of the trial, which had been set to begin Nov. 13.

Rowland only recently received transcripts of the January trial and jury-selection proceedings.

The family of Kidd's accusers is also pursing a lawsuit against the pastor, his church and other defendants that was filed in August 2008.

Court records reflect that trial is now set for Feb. 19, although attorneys have earlier indicated it would likely not be held until the criminal case is resolved.