CHARLOTTE — A Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer has been charged with child abuse after an investigation by the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office, Chief Johnny Jennings said on Wednesday.
Officer Matthew Michael, 48, has been charged with two counts of misdemeanor child abuse and has been placed on administrative leave by CMPD, Jennings said.
The Iredell County Sheriff’s Office announced on Thursday it received a report of child abuse on Jan. 25 in the Mooresville area. Someone reported that Michael physically assaulted a child multiple times at a home in Mooresville in 2024.
Deputies were also told Michael was currently employed as a police officer with CMPD.
The Iredell County Sheriff’s Office announced on Thursday it received a report of child abuse on Jan. 25 in the Mooresville area. Someone reported that Michael physically assaulted a child multiple times at a home in Mooresville in 2024.
Deputies were also told Michael was currently employed as a police officer with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.
A detective with the Special Victim’s Unit joined the investigation to collect evidence and conduct interviews and witnesses said they saw the abuse.
Detective A. Thompson obtained the arrest warrants for Michael for two counts of misdemeanor child abuse.
Michael was arrested on Wednesday and transported to the Iredell County Detention Center where he was issued a $2,500 unsecured bond.
Jennings said that CMPD has launched an investigation into Michael.
“The CMPD takes all allegations of misconduct seriously, particularly those involving the safety and well-being of children. The charges against Officer Michael involve a juvenile family member off duty,” Jennings said in a statement.
Michael was arrested Wednesday and has bonded out of jail, records say.
(WATCH BELOW: Mother frustrated with plea deal in Belmont man’s disappearance)
©2025 Cox Media Group
