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Sam Penrod ReportingCriminal charges were filed today against a former member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Robert Matthews faces several sexually related counts relating to allegations he took pictures of young boys who were naked.
Matthews is from Orem and the allegations surround an incident in July in Spanish Fork Canyon, but investigators are concerned there could be more victims.
The charges filed today include three misdemeanors and four second degree felonies. Matthews is accused of taking pictures and video of four young boys who were skinny dipping at a hot springs in Spanish Fork Canyon and then later showing the video to the boys. That involves the felony charges of sexual exploitation of a minor because it is considered child pornography.
The second involves misdemeanor charges of lewdness involving a child. That's because Matthews is accused of not wearing any clothes himself during the incident. Matthews' attorney says his client is getting a lot of support from family and friends and will fight the charges in court.
John Easton, Defense Attorney: "I think it's important to note he's presumed innocent until proven guilty. And that there has been no allegations of any kind whatsoever of any inappropriate touching of any minor whatsoever and we'll just have to see what happens in court."
Utah County sheriff's detectives are concerned though, there could be more victims. They have put out a public plea for anyone that has more information on Matthews to come forward.
Matthews was a member of the Tabernacle choir when the incident in question occurred. He was dismissed from the choir last week after he was arrested; he had only been in the choir about ten months.
Matthews is out of jail after posting 25,000 dollars in bail. He will be back in court at the end of the month and could face one to 15 years in prison on the felony charges, if he is convicted.
