MCS Security Officer Charged with Rape

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - A Memphis City School security guard has been charged with the rape of a 16-year-old Mitchell High School student. It's the second such investigation involving a school officer in two weeks. One State Representative said it does not help the district's case as it lobbies for legislative approval for its own police force.

The security guard was charged Wednesday evening with statutory rape by an authority figure. The superintendent has said he wants the district to have it's own police officers trained to solve problems rather than just arrest and transport. But the recent arrest has at least one lawmaker questioning if the district can handle it.

One week after Memphis City School officials were in Nashville lobbying for their own police force, school security guard 31-year old Antonio Matthews was charged with the alleged rape of a 16-year old Mitchell High School student.

According to a police affidavit, Antonio Matthews went to the alleged victim's classroom Monday and told the teacher he needed to speak with the 16-year old.

The teen told police Matthews escorted her to the basement of the school auditorium and proceeded to fondle and have intercourse with her.

A check of court records shows Matthews has no criminal history, something school leaders say they check for.

Representative John DeBerry (D-Memphis) said he listened to the district's plea with an open mind but this incident raises flags.

"I'll say this does not help the case as far as us trying to make a decision, a positive decision, toward creating a totally separate force."

This is the second year the district is seeking legislative approval for its own police force, even though the idea is opposed by Memphis Police Director Larry Godwin and Memphis Mayor A C Wharton.

Representative DeBerry said during his tenure, he personally worked to strengthen rape laws. "The one thing we should be able to have confidence is safety of our children, at least those who watching them, and ensure their safety."

A check of court records showed the guard has no criminal history. Memphis City School Board President Martavius Jones questioned how to prevent incidents if there is no prior history. He said the incident could have happened whether the guard was employed by the school or Memphis Police.

In fact, last month, a Memphis Police Officer working as a School Resource Officer was accused of raping a female student from Fairley High School. The officer has been relieved of duty without pay, and police say the case is still under investigation.

Representative DeBerry said, "I think what this will do is make all of us step back and just for a minute and realize when we put a group of people in proximity of our children we have to be very careful to make sure these are people who are going to protect our children not victimize our children."

Wednesday, the MCS police force House bill was placed on the Judiciary Committee calendar to be heard Tuesday.