ALPINE TWP., Mich. (WZZM) - A youth minister at an Alpine Township church has been arrested for Criminal Sexual Conduct with a minor.
Matthew Abid, 30, has been charged for an incident that happened with a 15-year-old girl while Abid was a youth minister at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. The Kent County Sheriff's Office reports that the incident with the girl happened in the fall of 2011 and continued after the girl turned 16.
The girl was not a member of the church, but attended the weekly youth group.
Abid has been charged with one count of CSC, 3rd degree. Investigators say that the Holy Trinity Church and the Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids are aware of the allegations and are fully cooperating with the investigation.
The investigation is ongoing to determine the extent of the allegations, but police do not believe there are any other victims.
Fr. Tom Simons posted this message on the church's website:
I am saddened to let you know about an incident involving one of our former staff members, director of youth ministry Matt Abid. The Kent County Sheriff's
Department is investigating a possible inappropriate relationship between Mr. Abid and a young person whom he may have met through the parish youth ministry program. He has since been relieved of his position at Holy Trinity. We encourage anyone who has any information that might be useful to police to contact the Kent County Sheriff's Department at (616) 632-6125. You may also follow up with Mary Ann Kowalski, the diocesan victim assistance coordinator at (616) 243-0491.
Our entire parish community is harmed by these events, but some far more than others. I ask you to pray for peace and healing for all of those people whose lives and families will be deeply impacted by these events.
Fr. Tom Simons