For Immediate Release: 

Dec. 20, 2018

Matthew Fryer, 31, of Kansas City, Missouri was arrested on Statutory Sodomy and Child Pornography charges on Dec. 19, Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker announced today.

The defendant, d.o.b. 10/01/1987, faces one count Sodomy 1st Degree, one count Class A Felony Sexual Exploitation of a Minor Child, and three counts of the Class D Felony Possession of Child Pornography.* 

According to court records, on 10/08/18 the 13-year-old minor victim disclosed to her school resource officer that her step-father had sexually abused her while at a movie theater and produced sexually explicit images of her. Defendant and the victim's mother arrived at the school after being contacted by the school administrator. Independence PD detectives were at the scene and took the defendant into custody. Defendant's phone was recovered at that time. 

The victim completed a forensic interview and stated on several occasions, defendant would take nude photos of the victim, at times offering payment for her to pose for the pictures. The victim also recounted the defendant taking her to an Independence movie theater where he placed his fingers inside her vagina. Another instance of this abuse occurred at the family home as well. The victim stated on the day prior to the interview, the defendant again tried to pay her for sexual contact, which she denied. 

On 10/8/2018 Defendant was taken into custody and questioned by detectives where he did not admit he took any pictures of the victim, but did admit "sometimes he pinches his family's nipples." When asked to provide access to his cell phone, defendant invoked his right to counsel.

A search warrant of the defendant's phone executed on 10/12/18 revealed images depicting the victim naked - which the victim confirmed were of her.

Prosecutors have requested a bond of $100,000 cash. 

Jared D. Bustamante

Assistant Prosecuting Attorney

Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office

Jean Peters Baker, Prosecutor

P: 816.881.3538

F: 816.674.3954

jbustamante@jacksongov.org

*Charges are only accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until the defendant is either found guilty or has pleaded.