A multi-agency operation has yielded the arrest of a Southern Pines man Friday, according to a news release from the Pinehurst Police Department.

Pinehurst Police Department, with assistance from the Southern Pines Police Department and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations, arrested Matthew Munro West and charged him with disseminating obscene material to a minor under 16, two counts of statutory sexual offense with a person who is 13, 14 or 15, and four counts of indecent liberties with a minor.

“This stems from a week-long investigation initiated by the victim’s family, who made allegations that Matthew West, who is 34 years old, committed these offenses against the juvenile while working as an employee at the FirstHealth Fitness Center located in Pinehurst,” said the news release.

According to information from Moore County Detention Center, the alleged crime took place on August 2.

The suspect is jailed under a $650,000 secured bond, has an October 31 court date and is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The investigation is ongoing, and anyone who has additional information regarding this case should contact the Pinehurst Police Department at 910-295-3141 or the crime tip line at 910-420-1654.

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