Halifax, Mass. firefighter accused of sex crime

(NECN: Scot Yount, Plymouth, Mass.) - He is a Halifax firefighter and is now under arrest for exposing himself to a 14-year-old girl, who according to prosecutors is a friend of the defendant's daughter.

Forty-one-year-old Matthew Paris has been a full time firefighter and EMT since 2000 and has two small children.

The victim alleges that he exposed himself to her four times over he past year.  Prosecutors said in open court, that on the fourth assault, he took it a step a further.

"He tried to kiss her," said prosecutor Joe Higgins.
 
He was originally arrested Thursday night but was released on an initial bail of just 1000 dollars and came to court on his own,
 
However, bail was set to $10,000, and Paris was taken into custody.
 
At the department where Paris works, the chief expressed his dismay.

 "I never had any trouble with him, but as to the incident, I am shocked and saddened," said Chief  William Carrico.
 
Paris'  defense attorney said that Paris had recently moved in with his mother and that there is a divorce pending between Paris and his wife.
 
Nobody came to the door of the condominium and neighbors were unwilling to speak on camera.
 
A number of women in the courtroom, some of them who were brought to tears, left the courthouse without making any comment.
 
A short time later, Paris posted bail and ran past cameras and reporters to a waiting car.

Right now, Paris is on paid administrative leave but the chief said he will conduct his own investigation and if he determines that any of the alleged acts took place on department time, Paris will be dismissed.