Former Mannford cop accused of sexually assaulting 2 teens waives right to preliminary hearing

A former Mannford Police officer gave up his right to a preliminary hearing on Wednesday, which is a big step forward in a case where charges were filed 18 months ago. 

Matthew Waltman is charged with sexually abusing two teenage boys. This now means the case will either go to trial or Waltman will plead guilty.

The victim's family has been frustrated that it’s taken almost a year and a half to see some progress in the case. The preliminary hearing had been postponed several times.

Both victims were at the courthouse, ready to testify Wednesday afternoon, but Waltman chose to give up his right to the hearing and move forward with the case. 

Waltman worked as a Mannford Police Officer and a school resource officer in Mannford Schools. Prosecutors charged Waltman with rape last March after a Mannford student came forward saying Waltman invited him over to his house, gave him 12 shots of whiskey, then assaulted the boy. 

Investigators say the student got sick and laid down to feel better, but woke up to Waltman assaulting him. They say the student demanded Waltman take him home, and later the student told a pastor about what happened, and the pastor called police. 

Investigators say Waltman admitted to the police chief, pastor and Mannford Schools superintendent that he gave minors alcohol but denied an assault, and later said that things happened, but it was between two consenting adults.

Prosecutors charged Waltman with more crimes this year after they say another boy came forward, saying Waltman had an inappropriate relationship with him when he was a minor.

Waltman has been out on bond since his arrest last March. We talked to Waltman's attorney after Wednesday's hearing, but he didn’t want to comment. 

Waltman is scheduled to be back in court next month. 

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