Former Dallas private school teacher accused of sexually assaulting child
Matthew Harmon
DALLAS - Dallas police say they have arrested a former private school teacher after a yearlong investigation into the alleged sexual assault of a child.
An arrest warrant was issued for 46-year-old Matthew Harmon in late May.
Detectives say the offense happened in 2007, involving a victim that Harmon met at The Providence Christian School of Texas in Dallas.
Harmon was a teacher and coach at the school from 2004 to 2007.
The victim told investigators that when she was in the eighth grade, Harmon would hold private tutoring sessions with her. As time went on, Harmon began to buy her gifts, including bras and underwear, according to arrest affidavits. She told police when she was around 16 years old, Harmon had intercourse with her at his apartment and various hotels.
In a statement, Providence said it learned of the accusations in the fall of 2022 and reported the information to authorities.
The school's Board of Trustees also hired an independent investigator to review the allegations and school policies.
"The independent investigator recently concluded the investigation, which identified credible accounts of misconduct committed by the former teacher and coach during and after his tenure at Providence and a failure of leadership by the Providence administration at the time," read a statement from the school. "We are grieved that the alumni participating in this investigation did not receive the care and concern they deserved from the Providence administration during their time at the School."
Providence said the investigator found evidence that Harmon may not have been properly screened before he was hired due to allegations of prior misconduct.
The investigator also noted that red flags spotted by staff members, including private meetings with female students, were not reported to leadership. Some behavior that was reported was "handled by leadership in a defensive manner," according to investigators.
Providence says the investigation has led to a review of Providence's safety and security policies and protocols.
Investigators say Harmon also volunteered at Trinity Christian Academy for several years and worked at Kanakuk camps in Durango, Colorado and Branson, Missouri from 1995 through the mid-2000s.
Police say Harmon had been in contact with thousands of children during work and volunteering. Additional victims were identified, but police believe there still may be other unidentified victims.
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Additional charges could be brought against Harmon.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dallas Police.