Bond set at $1M for former Jacksonville officer accused of sex battery on a minor

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — On Wednesday, a nine-year veteran with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office stood before a judge to face the charge of Capital Sexual Battery on a minor.

Matthew Butler sat by himself in the courtroom, isolated from the other inmates.

TRENDING: 

The 39-year-old wore a red jump suit and kept his eyes forward.

When the judge called Butler's name, he walked with his lawyer to the podium.

The JSO veteran and father of two was told not have any contact with minors or the alleged victim, or be within 1,500 feet of the alleged victim. He’s also banned from having internet access.

On Tuesday, JSO released Butler’s mugshot, something the agency typically does not do when an officer is arrested. When Action News Jax asked about this, JSO cited the severity of the charge.

FLORIDA STATUTES: Sexual battery definition

“That involves obviously sexual activity with a child under the age of 12 and that’s about as serious as it gets,” Action News Jax Law and Safety Expert Dale Carson said.

JSO said Butler made a statement to someone, who then called police.

On Tuesday, Butler was arrested after investigators say they found a photo of a nude girl on his device.

STAY UPDATED: Download the Action News Jax app for live updates on breaking stories

Neighbors told Action News Jax they can’t believe a police officer would hurt a child.

“I’m completely shocked. Nothing gave me that clue that he would do something like that,” Mary Bishop said.

Carson said JSO will likely search all of Butler’s electronic devices for evidence.

“In order for you to get into a cellphone, you’re required to have the same kind of search warrant required to go into a house,” Carson said.

JSO is also investigating to see if there could be any more victims out there.

The judge set Butler's bond to $1 million and his next court date is scheduled for April 17.

Cox Media Group