Soldier Accused Of Having Sexual Relationship With Teen

CLEARWATER, FL — An alleged 10-month online relationship with a teenage girl led to the Wednesday arrest of a solider from Fort Campbell, Kentucky, at his parents’ Clearwater home.

According to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, detectives kicked off an investigation into Peter Maxx Matlock’s alleged relationship with the teen on Dec. 7. The victim, who was 14 years old when the relationship began, told deputies the two communicated through Skype, Facebook and text messages.

“During their communications, Matlock requested and obtained numerous nude photographs from the victim and the two simulated sex while on video utilizing the website Skype,” an email from the sheriff’s office said.

Detectives say Matlock knew the girl’s age “and he discussed the potential criminal consequences for his actions on multiple occasions,” the email added.

The sheriff’s office said detectives interviewed Matlock at his parents’ home and that he “admitted to the allegations.”

Matlock was arrested on Dec. 28, charged with three counts of transmission of material harmful to a minor by electronic device. He also faces one count each of certain uses of computer services or devices prohibited and unlawful use of a two-way communications device.

Matlock was booked into the Pinellas County Jail following his arrest. He was being held Thursday in lieu of $55,000 bond.

Booking photo courtesy of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office