Arrest. MWC file photo
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — A recent refugee from Afghanistan who’s working to help others settle in the community is accused of a misdemeanor count of 4th-degree sexual assault.
Wausau Police arrested Haji Matiullah Matie on Monday after a woman claimed he assaulted her in a vehicle as she was helping his family in resettlement.
According to Matie’s public Facebook profile he is serving as the Afghans Community Leader in Wausau. One month ago he hosted Mayor Katie Rosenberg and Police Chief Ben Bliven for milk tea in his home where the group discussed the Wausau community and their experiences in Afghanistan, according to a post from the Wausau Police Department.
Chief Bliven released a brief statement on Monday saying he was out of the office and would not be available for interviews, adding further details would be provided when the criminal complaint is made available.
Fourth-degree sexual assault in Wisconsin carries a Class A misdemeanor penalty, which could be up to nine months in jail and a fine of up to $10,000.
Matie was booked into the Marathon County Jail and released on a signature bond. Formal charges have not yet been filed, and court action against him is pending.
Comments