By Sara Israelsen
Deseret Morning News
October 7, 2006
http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,650196821,00.html
Provo — A former member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir faces felony sex abuse charges.
Robert Matthews, 51, of Orem was charged Friday in 4th District Court with four counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and three counts of lewdness involving a child, a class A misdemeanor.
Matthews was arrested Sept. 28 after police investigated allegations that the man swam naked with four young boys and took pictures of the nude swim.
 |
| Robert Matthews |
Matthews' attorney John Easton says his client is "absolutely innocent" until proven guilty.
"At no time has anybody alleged, no documents or reports have alleged ... any physical touching or any inappropriate touching with him and a minor child," Easton said.
Easton said his client also wanted to thank all his family and friends for he support he has received at this time.
Matthews, who joined the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in January, was released after The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints learned of his arrest, said Church spokesman Dale Bills.
Matthews will appear in court again Oct. 25.
At that time, Easton could request a preliminary hearing, during which prosecutors would present evidence against him. A judge will decide if there is enough evidence to order him to stand trial on the charges against him.
According to the police report filed in 4th District Court, Matthews took four boys, ages 7, 10, 13 and 15, to Diamond Fork Hot Springs in July for a camping trip.
While there, they went swimming nude in the hot springs while Matthews filmed the event with a camcorder and took still shots.
He then showed the boys the footage, including the nude shots, according to the police report.
Matthews bailed out of the Utah County Jail Sept. 29, a day after his arrest, on $25,000 cash or bond bail.
The maximum penalty for a second-degree felony is one to 15 years in prison.
E-mail: sisraelsen@desnews.com
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.