By Jacquelyn Springgay
A former member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir who was charged with sexual crimes involving underage boys will appear in federal court.
Robert Matthews, 51, of Orem, was charged in 4th District Court with four counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and three counts of lewdness involving a child, resulting in four felonies and three misdemeanors, regarding an incident that occurred in July.
On Oct. 16, 2006, John Easton, Matthews” attorney, filed the motion to dismiss Matthews” case in 4th District Court in Provo.
David Sturgill, deputy county attorney, moved that the court dismiss charges without prejudice in the information filed against Robert Matthews in the interest of justice, according to court documents.
The phrase “without prejudice” means that the case can be revisited at any time.
Judge Anthony Schofield signed the order to dismiss the case on Oct. 17.
The Salt Lake Tribune reported that a jury trial has been set to begin Dec. 18 before U.S. District Judge Paul Cassel.
