Muncie Pastor's Attorney Fails in Bid for Mistrial in Sexual Abuse Case

By Douglas Walker
Star Press
January 12, 2012

http://www.thestarpress.com/article/20120112/NEWS01/201120343/Muncie-pastor-s-attorney-fails-bid-mistrial-sexual-abuse-case?odyssey=nav%7Chead

MUNCIE -- Matthew Kidd's attorney failed in a bid to have a mistrial declared on Wednesday, when a second witness testified he had been subjected to groping and fondling by the Muncie pastor.

Kidd, 55, is charged with child molesting, sexual misconduct with a minor and vicarious sexual gratification over his alleged dealings with three teenage members of his then-Pentecostal church.

The pastor's accusers are brothers, and defense attorney Steven Bruce has suggested their allegations are motivated by greed. The alleged victims -- two of whom are now in their 20s -- and their family are also pursuing a civil lawsuit targeting Kidd, his church and other defendants.

One of the brothers testified Tuesday. Chief Deputy Prosecutor Judi Calhoun called his two siblings to the stand Wednesday.