On November 1, 2012, David M Ketchmark, the Acting US Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a retired police officer from Springfield, Missouri was sentenced for sexually exploiting a minor and videotaping the minor for child pornography.  The police officer was employed with the Springfield Police Department from 1986 to 2006.

The police officer’s name is Jack Van Matre, and he was sentenced by U.S District Judge Richard E. Dorr.  He received 19 years and seven months in federal prison without the chance of parole.  Matre pleaded guilty on June 1, 2012 to using the minor the produce child pornography on at least two different occasions from August 1 to October 7, 2011.  

Court documents indicate that that the 14-year-old found hidden video cameras in fake ductwork in the ceilings of the bedroom and bathroom at Matre’s residence.  He later admitted to the court that he cut holes in the ceiling to install vent covers and then installed the two cameras.  He manually positioned the cameras from the attic at first, but he admitted that he later bought cameras that were controlled through a wireless connection from his personal computer.  

During the forensic analysis, investigators found videos of the minor that were recorded with the hidden cameras.  The investigators found 16 different videos stored on Matre’s computers that showed the victim and two other minors undressing.  Police officers also discovered that Matre was part of two other investigations as he was suspected of sexually assaulting three minor children over a span of six years.  

The case was investigated by the FBI and the Springfield, Missouri Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher was in charge of prosecution.  

The investigation and sentencing serve as a strict reminder that no police officer is above the law.  

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation