Grady County Pastor Resigns After Allegations Of Inappropriately Touching 7-Year-Old

A senior pastor at a church in Grady County resigned after police said he inappropriately touched a 7-year-old girl.

Matthew Reiber, 38, was charged with three counts of lewd or indecent acts to a child under 12. Each count carried at least 25 years in prison.

According to the probable cause affidavit completed by the investigating Chickasha police officer, a woman contacted him on Feb. 7, saying two girls may have been sexually assaulted.

One of those girls, a 7-year-old, said she and a 6-year-old girl were playing with Reiber's own 6-year-old daughter, the affidavit stated. The 7-year-old said Reiber then took her to his bedroom, where he allegedly touched her genitals and made her touch his genitals, according to the affidavit.

The police officer said in the affidavit that the 7-year-old was interviewed at a child advocacy center.

New Life Christian Church of Chickasha said in December 2021 that Reiber was confirmed as the senior pastor there.

The church posted a Facebook statement on Thursday regarding the allegations against Reiber:

"The leadership of New Life Christian Church learned this weekend of serious allegations made against senior minister Matt Reiber. His alleged actions did not occur at our church or during a church function," the church said in the statement. "Such allegations, if true, are reprehensible and inexcusable but were not consistent with what we observed of Matt’s service to our church and community for over a year. Matt has denied these allegations and although he is presumed innocent under the law, the legal system will determine the merits or lack thereof in due time. Regardless, Matt has resigned his position and is no longer associated with our church, effective immediately. We ask for prayers on behalf of everyone involved in this horrible situation."

Reiber made his initial court appearance on Tuesday, according to documents. He was scheduled to appear in court to announce his attorney on Feb. 27. His preliminary hearing conference was scheduled for March 1.

Reiber's bond was set at $100,000. He was not in jail as of Thursday afternoon.