Matthew Connors
SALINE CO.—A man accused of an attack on a Saline County woman last year is in St. Louis this morning undergoing serious surgery.
Authorities have confirmed with Disclosure that multiple reports coming in, notifying us that Matthew Connor, 42, originally of Carbondale, has been “set free without bond” as of yesterday, April 23, 2013, are rather disingenuous.
Callers to the tipline made it sound as though authorities had just up and decided to let Connors go while he’s under charges of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault with a Weapon, Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault involving Bodily Harm, Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault while Threatening the victim’s life, Carrying or Possessing a Knife with Intent to do harm, Domestic Battery, Knowingly Damaging Property.
That’s not exactly the case.
Connors was released on a recognizance bond in order to undergo surgery at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis today, where it’s expected that most of one side of his face will be removed due to melanoma, this according to officials in Saline who spoke with Disclosure about the matter.
It was related to Disclosure that officials “weren’t happy” about the release, considering the very serious charges Connors is facing. As well, adding to the problem is the post-op care, for which the Saline County Detention Center isn’t equipped. It’s unclear how long Connors has under the circumstances; the prognosis is grim, as the cancer is characterized as “terminal.”
The alleged victim in this case has been assured extra police protection; however, it doesn’t look like Connors is going to be in any condition to approach her, let alone harass her, while he’s recovering.
Disclosure has been told that the surgery may cost in the area of $470,000. If Connors is in custody, the county has to pay for it. As it stands, Connors is reportedly on a medical card, so the state (all of us) is going to pay for it anyway.
We’ll keep you posted on what the outcome is.