Deputies: Youth minister taped girls

[Ian David]

Last Edited: Thursday, 12 Jul 2007, 5:45 PM EDT
Created: Thursday, 12 Jul 2007, 5:45 PM EDT

BRADENTON - Leaders at Bethel Baptist Church in Manatee County say they're shaken by accusations against a Youth Minister.

Deputies say Matt Porter was secretly recording girls in the church's youth group while they changed their clothes at the church, his house, and at another location where he used to live.

"This person being a youth minister - this is the last thing you'd think he'd do," said Sheriff's spokesman Dave Bristow.

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"It's sad that kids go to a religious place like this and they're not safe. I think it's absolutely terrible. That's very sad. I hope people reach out to him and give him the help he needs," said one neighbor who didn't want to be identified.

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