Matt Queen Receives Time Served and Supervised Release
Former Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary interim provost Matt Queen has been sentenced in connection to a federal investigation into the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). Queen, 50, received a judgment of time served, one year of supervised release, and six months of home confinement. He must also pay a $2,000 fine and a $100 special assessment.
As part of his supervised release, Queen is required to participate in outpatient mental health treatment and continue taking prescribed medications. Additionally, he cannot open new lines of credit without approval from his probation officer.
Home Confinement and Monitoring Restrictions
During his home confinement, Queen must wear an electronic monitor and is only permitted to leave his residence for medical care for himself or his wife. Even then, written permission from his probation officer is required.
Queen’s attorney, Sam Schmidt, stated that his client faced a maximum prison sentence of five years. Schmidt emphasized that Queen is relieved to avoid prison time and hopes to use his period of home confinement to assist others.
Charges Stemming from SBC Investigation
Queen’s charges are tied to a U.S. Department of Justice investigation into allegations of mishandled sexual abuse claims within the SBC. Specifically, the charges involved falsified notes he made in early 2023 regarding a reported case of sexual abuse at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Last month, Schmidt filed a document containing letters from Queen’s family and friends, which described the toll the investigation had taken on Queen’s physical, mental, and emotional health.
Southwestern Seminary’s Response
Following the sentencing, Southwestern Seminary released a statement reaffirming its commitment to cooperating with the federal investigation. The institution expressed hope that the case’s resolution would conclude the broader inquiry.
The statement also emphasized the seminary’s dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of its community, pledging to take every measure necessary to prevent sexual abuse and harassment.
Source:
Queen given 1-year supervised release, fined
Photo by Saad Chaudhry on Unsplash
About Post Author
