PINE CREEK MAN CHARGED WITH SEXUAL ABUSE - Richards Probable Cause Hearing Postponed

(10/17/2003)
A Pine Creek man, Matt Verbus, 32, has been charged with multiple counts of sexual abuse with a seven-year-old male.

He was charged with the offense by Sgt. D. H. Campbell, after the child's father complained to State Police.

Verbus confessed to the allegations, according to court records, on an audio tape made by the State Police.

He has been charged with three counts of first-degree sexual assault and one count of first-degree sexual abuse.

Verbus could face $13,000 to $40,000 in fines and 46 to 110 years in prison if he is found guilty on all counts.

Verbus was taken to Central Regional Jail. Calhoun Magistrate Teressa Robinson set bond at $20,000.

The case against Grantsville resident John Richards, who is facing multiple charges related to stolen property, was continued until November. Richards was to have had a probable cause hearing yesterday before Magistrate Rick Postalwait.