Photo credit: Mecklenburg County Jail

A police officer who flies helicopters in Charlotte, North Carolina has been charged with 28 sex crimes. Mathew Porter, 54, reportedly sexually abused a woman starting several years ago when she was a preteen.

According to authorities, the victim told investigators Porter sexually assaulted her for three years from 2010 to 2013.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Deputy Chief Katrina Graue said the assaults happened in Charlotte where her family was friends with Porter, but the victim reported the crimes in Nye County, Nevada, her current home.

"It is not uncommon for child victims to delay reporting as they grow a little more mature and seek counseling. It is not uncommon for disclosures to come out years later," Graue said.

The department's chief, Kerr Putney, also commented on the charges against Porter. "I am disappointed that one of our officers is accused of this very serious offense. We represent the law and absolutely will not tolerate one of our own violating it. It’s our job to protect this community. We have no place in our ranks for anyone who would violate the trust of a child in this manner."

Porter has been charged with eight counts of first-degree sex offense and 20 counts of indecent liberties. Graue said she is unaware of any other victims but are continuing to investigate.

The assaults did not happen while Porter was on duty but he has been placed on unpaid leave. Porter has been flying helicopters for the Charlotte police since 1997, two years after he first joined the department.

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Source: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/crime/article202381524.html