A Morongo Unified School district custodian was arraigned last week by a federal grand jury with production of child pornography. According to the FBI, Matthew Frazer, 42, of Yucca Valley, was arrested January 31 at his place of employment. Sheriff sources say he was arrested at Twentynine Palms Junior High School. He was indicted by the grand jury February 12, arraigned February 19 and pleaded not guilty.
The indictment states that Frazer enticed a minor to engage in sexually explicit acts over several years, which he then shared online. In 2013, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children gave the FBI a series of photos of a girl, aged 4 to 6 years old, being sexually abused by a white male. Over a period of several months the FBI developed leads before finally identifying Matthew Frazer as a suspect. The FBI believes Frazer may have victimized other minors who have not yet been identified. Anyone who believes they may have information about this investigation or additional victims is urged to contact the FBI. MUSD Assistant Superintendent Tom Baumgarten said Matthew Frazer has been placed on administrative leave; he said the school district is taking the necessary steps to keep a safe environment for its students, and is working with law enforcement. Matthew Frazer is being held in the West Valley Detention Center without bond. He will next appear in court April 18. If convicted, he faces a sentence of 15 to 30 years in prison. Photos of Matthew Frazer can be seen with this story at z1077fm.com.
