February 6, 2010, 05:00:00AM. By Charles Benson

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Burlington, NC: A former police officer accused of sexually assaulting a teenage girl he met through a community outreach program has made his first appearance in court over the criminal offense.

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.

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