William "Matt" Hill, 28, was arrested on two counts of statutory rape and two counts of statutory sex offenses stemming from a relationship he had with a 14-year-old girl participating in the Burlington Police Department's Explorer program.The Explorer program is intended to give teenagers interested in law enforcement first-hand experience through community service efforts and police ride-alongs. It was during these ride-alongs that Hill allegedly made inappropriate comments to the girl, kissed her and made plans to rendezvous at his home at a later date.
The incident was first reported when the victim's mother, whose name has not been released to protect her daughter's identity, claims to have discovered a text message between Hill and the 14-year-old hinting at a sexual encounter.
Hill, who has since resigned from the police department, was placed under $2,000 bond and maintains his innocence, according to the Times-News. Burlington police have yet to comment on the situation.