CMPD Officer Accused Of Child Sexual Assault

CHARLOTTE, NC — We are learning more about the CMPD officer accused of sexually assaulting a little girl.

Officer Matthew Porter is on unpaid administrative leave.

CMPD called it disappointing that Officer Porter, hired to protect the community, is now accused of sexually assaulting a little girl when she was 10 years old.

“It’s shocking for me to see him being arrested this morning,” said Marina Schwartz.

Schwartz says she’s lived beside him for nearly 20 years in Matthews.

“We’ve been living here for like what 20, 20 years or so and hes always been nice and always polite,” said Schwartz.

CMPD says the girl accusing Officer Porter lives in Nevada now.

He was a family friend when she lived in Charlotte.

She says he sexually assaulted her several times from 2010 until 2013.

“Certainly, these are very serious allegations with very serious consequences,” said Deputy Chief Katrina Graue. “It’s something that we take very seriously and not something that we tolerate as an organization.”

The 54-year-old officer has worked for CMPD since 1995.

He’s flown the police helicopter since 1997.

Neighbors say he has a son and a wife.

Family did not answer the door when WCCB Charlotte went by to hear their side of the story.

“I’ve never noticed anything like that, and my kids grew up here,” said Schwartz.

Some, now troubled, because they always thought of his presence as added safety.

Officer Porter’s first court appearance is Wednesday.

He’s in the Mecklenburg County Jail facing eight counts of first degree sex assault and 20 counts of indecent liberties.