By Trend News Line 2024-05-22 23:00:13.
The Allegations Against Matthew Queen
A former Southern Baptist professor, Matthew Queen, has been accused by the Department of Justice of attempting to cover up an alleged sexual misconduct incident at the Texas seminary where he taught. According to an indictment announced by the Southern District of New York, Queen has been charged with falsifying records by providing FBI investigators with doctored notes from a meeting he attended on Jan. 26, 2023, with two unnamed Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary employees. This alleged attempt to interfere with a federal grand jury investigation has serious implications, as stated by U.S. Attorney Damian Williams.
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Response from Authorities and Seminary
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams highlighted the severity of Queen’s actions, stating that they deliberately violated a court order and delayed justice for sexual abuse victims. The FBI Assistant Director in Charge, James Smith, also condemned Queen’s alleged actions, emphasizing the importance of upholding justice in cases of sexual abuse. The seminary, upon learning of Queen’s actions, took immediate action by placing him on administrative leave and accepting his resignation as interim provost. It was also mentioned that all employees involved in the matter are no longer employed by the seminary.
Background of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary was established in 1908 by a leader of the Southern Baptist Convention and remains affiliated with the Southern Baptist Church. The school has a long history within the denomination and has played a significant role in theological education.
Investigations and Allegations
Since 2022, the FBI and the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York have been investigating allegations of sexual abuse and misconduct within a national religious denomination referred to as the “Denomination” in court papers. The investigation has shed light on multiple allegations of clergy sex abuse within the nation’s largest Protestant denomination. In August 2022, SBC leaders confirmed that the DOJ was looking into these allegations, leading to further scrutiny of various institutions associated with the denomination.
Details of the Alleged Cover-Up
During a meeting in January 2023, Queen, alongside two co-workers, allegedly encountered a document detailing a sexual abuse allegation involving a seminary student from November 2022. The document also highlighted the failure of the seminary to address the allegation at the time. Despite receiving a grand jury subpoena related to allegations of sexual abuse, the incident had not been reported to the DOJ. During the meeting, one of the employees directed another to destroy the document and make it “go away.”
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Legal Ramifications for Matthew Queen
Queen faces serious consequences for his actions, including a maximum of 20 years in prison if convicted of falsifying records. His initial denial of witnessing the directive to destroy the document, followed by the presentation of doctored notes to federal investigators, has further compounded the legal implications he now faces. The case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of obstructing justice, particularly in cases of alleged sexual abuse.
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com.
– Southern Baptist professor charged with falsifying records
– Sexual assault cover up allegation.
