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Disturbing details uncovered in CMPD officer sex crime case

Authorities said Matthew Porter sexually abused a ten-year-old girl several times between 2010 and 2013. Court documents showed the crimes happened under a blanket as the victim's mother and the officer's wife were present.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- NBC Charlotte uncovered disturbing details about a Charlotte Mecklenburg Police officer accused of sex crimes with a child.

Authorities said Matthew Porter sexually abused a ten-year-old girl several times between 2010 and 2013. Court documents showed the crimes happened under a blanket as the victim’s mother and the officer’s wife were present.

Court records also showed the victim tried to tell her parents about the abuse in 2014, but they didn’t believe her. It took years before any charges were filed.

“It’s really heartbreaking,” said Jane Harmon with the child advocacy center, Pat’s Place. “Very often children are afraid to tell in fear they won’t be believed, and unfortunately sometimes when they do, we don’t want to believe that children might be abused.”

However, this year, police found enough evidence to charge the CMPD helicopter pilot with 28 counts.

RELATED: CMPD officer faces 'egregious charges' for sex offense, indecent liberties with child

“It’s an individual who has gained access to a child, whose gained trust, who no one is going to suspect, so if they are playing under a blanket or snuggling they may have an opportunity to hide what’s happening,” said Harmon.

Police said Porter was a family friend at the time of the crime.

The victim, who is now 17-years-old currently lives in Nye County, Nevada. CMPD said as soon as they became aware of the allegations, they sent detectives to Nevada to do interviews. In an interview last month with police, Porter denied the allegations against him.

Harmon maintained it’s important children have a voice.

“When children do have the courage to tell, we do need to take it seriously we need to report it so it can be investigated,” said Harmon.

Porter is free on bond and on unpaid administrative leave. His next court appearance is March 19.

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