Ind. pastor faces trial on molestation charges

MUNCIE, Ind. — A central Indiana pastor is facing trial on charges alleging that he sexually abuse three teenage boys who were members of his congregation.

The Star Press reports that a Delaware Circuit Court jury seated Monday was scheduled to begin hearing testimony Tuesday in the case against 55-year-old Matthew A. Kidd.

The pastor of Freedom Point Apostolic Church faces charges of child molesting, sexual misconduct with a minor and vicarious sexual gratification. He’s accused of fondling the three teens, who are brothers, by having them disrobe before giving them massages and performing what he says were exams for ailments such as hernias.

Kidd has denied the allegations, which are also the basis of a lawsuit filed by the alleged victims and their family against Kidd and his Muncie church.