On August 17, a Martin County state attorney’s office filed a nolle prosequi, dismissing all eleven counts of video voyeurism filed against Matthew W. Horton, a 45‑year‑old employee of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. The dismissal was recorded in court documents and reported by WPBF 25.
Background of the allegations
According to the filing, Horton was accused of concealing a small camera inside a clock he had given to a woman he was dating. The woman discovered video recordings on Horton’s laptop in July 2024 and reported the incident to a Martin County Sheriff’s Office deputy. The alleged recordings were said to have taken place between 2017 and 2019.
Legal proceedings
Horton’s trial had been scheduled to begin on Monday, Aug. 24. However, the state attorney’s decision to dismiss the charges means the case will not proceed to trial. A nolle prosequi is a formal declaration that the prosecutor will no longer pursue the charges, effectively ending the criminal case.
Department response
A spokesperson for the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Horton has been placed on administrative leave with pay while the matter was under investigation. The department declined to comment further pending the outcome of the legal process.
Next steps
WPBF 25 News has reached out to the 19th Judicial Circuit state attorney’s office, which serves Martin, Okeechobee, St. Lucie, and Indian River counties, for comment and is awaiting a response. The outlet also contacted Horton’s attorney for a statement.
The dismissal underscores the role of prosecutorial discretion in Florida’s criminal justice system. While the allegations were serious, the decision to drop the charges reflects the attorney’s assessment of the evidence and the public interest.
Community impact
Local residents and advocacy groups have expressed mixed reactions. Some emphasize the importance of due process and the presumption of innocence, while others voice concern about the potential for abuse of power within law‑enforcement agencies. The case highlights ongoing conversations about privacy, consent, and accountability in public‑service positions.
For now, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office will continue its internal review of the incident, and Horton remains on paid administrative leave pending any further action.
Original reporting: WPBF West Palm Beach — read the source article.
