Hamilton County, August 3, 2025
News Summary
Terry Charles Matthews, a 67-year-old resident of Hamilton County, has been indicted by a Grand Jury on serious sexual abuse charges involving minors. The allegations include the rape of a child under the age of 13, with incidents dating back to 2015, and statutory rape involving a teenager in 2020. Matthews faces a total of 9 charges, prompting local authorities to call for community vigilance regarding child safety. The case highlights the ongoing importance of protecting vulnerable populations from abuse.
Hamilton County authorities have indicted a 67-year-old man, Terry Charles Matthews, on several serious charges of sexual abuse against minors. The indictment was issued by a Grand Jury, following an investigation that revealed multiple allegations against Matthews, including rape and statutory rape incidents that span several years.
Matthews was taken into custody by local deputies on Thursday. The charges against him include the rape of a child under the age of 13, an accusation stemming from incidents that occurred in 2015. Furthermore, he faces additional charges of statutory rape related to a teenager, which reportedly took place in 2020. In total, Matthews is facing 9 charges connected to these allegations.
Local law enforcement agencies have urged community members to remain vigilant and stay updated regarding any developments related to this case. The seriousness of the charges underscores the importance of addressing child safety and protecting vulnerable populations from abuse.
Details of the Charges
The charges against Matthews are extensive and disturbing. The indictment specifies that he is accused of committing acts of sexual abuse over several years, indicating a prolonged situation that has raised significant concern among authorities and community members alike. The first incident involves the rape of a child under 13 years of age, an egregious offense that carries severe legal consequences.
In addition to this charge, Matthews is implicated in a statutory rape case involving a teenager, allegedly occurring in 2020. Statutory rape laws are in place to protect minors from being exploited or abused by adults, therefore these charges are taken very seriously within the judicial system.
Community Impact
The revelation of such allegations has shocked many within the community. Local residents and child advocacy groups stress the importance of ensuring that children are safe and protected from potential abusers. Authorities are emphasizing the need for community vigilance and support for any victims who may come forward in relation to this case.
Background on Matthews
As a resident of Hamilton County, Matthews now faces significant legal repercussions for the charges against him. His current indictment is a result of a thorough investigation by local law enforcement, reflecting the system’s commitment to prosecuting those who commit sexual offenses against children. The fact that he is facing such a high number of charges indicates the severity and gravity of the allegations, as well as the potential for further implications as the case unfolds.
The Hamilton County community is being urged to stay informed about the ongoing case, as there may be further developments in the future. Authorities are likely to provide updates as they become available, ensuring that the public is kept in the loop regarding the legal proceedings against Matthews.
Conclusion
The indictment of Terry Charles Matthews has brought to light critical issues surrounding child protection and sexual abuse within the community. As the legal process continues, the hope remains that justice will be served for any victims involved and that measures will be taken to safeguard the welfare of children in Hamilton County.
FAQ
What charges has Terry Charles Matthews been indicted on?
Terry Charles Matthews has been indicted on multiple charges of sexual abuse, including the rape of a child under 13 and statutory rape against a teenager.
When were the alleged abuses committed?
The alleged rape of a child under 13 occurred in 2015, while the statutory rape incident took place in 2020.
How many total charges is Matthews facing?
Matthews is facing a total of 9 charges related to the allegations against him.
What action has the community been advised to take?
Local authorities have advised the public to stay informed about updates regarding this case and to ensure community vigilance regarding child safety.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Indicted Individual | Terry Charles Matthews |
| Age | 67 |
| Location | Hamilton County |
| Charges | 9 total, including rape of a child under 13 and statutory rape of a teenager |
| Year of Alleged Crimes | 2015 and 2020 |
| Community Advisory | Stay informed on case updates and ensure child safety |
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Additional Resources
- Weather.com: Chattanooga TN Weather
- Wikipedia: Chattanooga, Tennessee
- Local 3 News: Chattanooga Road Closures Due to Severe Weather
- Google Search: Chattanooga Weather News
- News Channel 9: Forecasted Severe Weather in Chattanooga
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chattanooga
- Times Free Press: Chattanooga Area Gets Record-Setting Precipitation
- Google News: Chattanooga Tennessee News
- Nooga Today: Winter Weather Forecast Chattanooga TN
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
