Attorney General Jon Bruning

News Release

                                 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                      Contact: Holley Hatt

                                 July 27, 2007, 3:50 pm CDT                                                         402.471.2067

Franklin Police Officer Charged With

Sexual Abuse of Inmate

(Lincoln, NE) Attorney General Jon Bruning today filed charges against Franklin Police Officer Matthew Bower, 25, for sexual abuse of an inmate, terroristic threats, bribery, trespassing and official misconduct.

“No one is above the law, especially not those who are supposed to enforce it,” Bruning said. “Mr. Bower abused his power by taking advantage of a woman who was in a vulnerable situation. Now he’ll answer for his actions in court.”

The state’s complaint alleges that Bower removed an inmate from the Franklin County Jail on numerous occasions between March 29 and July 10, 2006. During some of those encounters, he engaged in illicit activities with the inmate. It is also alleged that Bower unlawfully threatened a Franklin County citizen and broke into the home of a Franklin County resident.

Bower has been employed by the Franklin Police Department since November 2003.

The arraignment is scheduled for July 30, at 9 a.m. in Franklin County Court. Assistant Attorney General Corey O’Brien is handling the case.

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