Matiullah Matie. Image courtesy: WAOW TV
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU-WAOW) — Wausau Mayor Katie Rosenberg has released a statement following the arrest of a recently resettled Afghan refugee on misdemeanor charges of fourth-degree sexual assault.
I was stunned and heartbroken to hear that a woman who was working to assist Wausau’s new refugee arrivals in their resettlement reported that she was sexually assaulted by one of the refugees.
Every person deserves to feel safe and be protected from sexual assault.
I am glad that she went to the police so they could investigate and carry out justice. She – and all crime victims – have access to the Wausau Police Department’s Victim Resource Unit. That unit includes a victim resource officer, a mental health therapist, a crime response specialist, and has strong working relationships with organizations like the Women’s Community and the Marathon County justice system. That team coordinates to ensure victims and their families are made whole again, whether they need counseling, help navigating the court system, or are eligible for crime victim compensation.
This alleged crime is absolutely unacceptable. My expectations of everyone in our community are that they understand the boundaries and rights of women and men and the legal consequences of violating them.
This doesn’t define all Afghan refugees any more than other crimes characterize residents from any other background. However, I have talked to Police Chief Bliven and he and his team stand ready to help with comprehensive and specific training about American legal and social expectations.
Law enforcement will continue ensuring the victim has access to resources that she needs and protecting the safety and wellbeing of our community. The Marathon County justice system will follow due process for both the accused and the victim who reported the crime.
This is a challenge for our community but I am committed – and everyone working on behalf of Wausau is committed – to ensuring Wausau is safe and welcoming for every resident.
Rosenberg’s statement was provided to WAOW TV Monday evening. The man, Matiullah Matie, recently had milk tea with Rosenberg and representatives of the Wausau Police Department and according to his public Facebook profile has been serving as an Afghan community leader in Wausau.
No formal charges have been filed against Matie and at this time no details of the criminal complaint against him have been made public. He was booked into the Marathon County Jail on Monday and released on a signature bond, court action against him is pending.
Police say the incident happened last week when Matie allegedly assaulted a woman in a vehicle. Officers say the victim was helping his family through the resettlement process.
He is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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