CLEARWATER, FLORIDA — The Pinellas County Sheriff’s office arrested the owner and operator of a Chick-fil-A restaurant in Clearwater over allegations that she inappropriately touched a 15-year-old girl four years ago.
Heather Matuszek, 32, was arrested and posted $40,000 bail on Wednesday, according to reporting from The Tampa Bay Times. She is charged with touching a young girl who belonged to the Clearwater Community Church, where Matuszek served as a youth leader at the time.
The church prides itself on its ministries specifically geared toward children. According to its website:
Clearwater Community Church has historically been known as a church that has a strong ministry to children and youth. As those who are created in His image, our children are precious to us. Our desire is to communicate the truth about God to them at an early age, so that they too will become committed followers of Christ who live their lives for the glory of God.
Chick-fil-A restaurants sent out a statement regarding the arrest, expressing that it was ready to cooperate with authorities on the matter.
“Law enforcement has jurisdiction over this matter and we are awaiting full facts to inform our actions,” the corporate statement read. “Chick-fil-A, Inc. is sending company representatives to the location for restaurant support.”
The restaurant is well-known for donating its profits to anti-LGBTQ causes.
The now 19-year-old victim alleged that Matuszek spent two separate occasions in bed with her when she was 15, ABC Action News reported. Matuszek kissed the teen on the face, touching her arms, breasts, and other body parts over the 15-year-old’s body.
Authorities confronted Matuszek on Wednesday when they arrested her. She admitted to performing the inappropriate actions to police.
The victim says other incidents also occurred between herself and Matuszek outside of Pinellas County, Florida, and officials are still investigating whether Matuszek assaulted the woman during those other times. Investigators also say there’s a possibility that Matuszek may have assaulted others during that time, and are asking for anyone with information to come forward to speak with them.
Featured image via Flickr
