Matthew Chantelois, aka Matt King, pictured in a promotional video on his website impersonating Elvis Presley (YouTube/screengrab)
A Michigan man known for his impersonations of Elvis Presley and other music icons faces serious federal charges after a 16-year-old girl reportedly considered a runaway from New York was allegedly found in a state of undress in his Pennsylvania motel room.
Matthew James Chantelois, a 45-year-old Dearborn Heights resident who goes by Matt King on stage, was indicted in Erie, Pa., last Friday on three charges, which together threaten decades of imprisonment upon conviction. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania, the alleged sexual exploitation of a minor, transportation of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, and possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor offenses took place from October 2023 to January 2024.
The longtime performer spoke with the Detroit Press Press more than six years ago about the Matt King persona, his world travels, his wife, and, of course, Elvis Presley. Now he faces substantial legal jeopardy.
Federal prosecutors alleged that the defendant “used, persuaded, induced, and enticed a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of that conduct,” then possessed and transporting “child sexual abuse material in interstate commerce.”
Erie News Now reported that when Chantelois was initially arrested on Jan. 24 after 4 a.m. troopers allegedly found him at a motel with a naked minor. The report also shed light on why authorities began the timeline in October 2023. The victim reportedly told investigators that she met the defendant online — specifically, social media — months before his arrest, that he plied her with vodka, and that the two sent explicit photos to one another.
Pennsylvania court records reviewed by Law&Crime show that an Erie County case was brought against Chantelois on Jan. 24 on charges of felony interference with the custody of children, misdemeanor corruption of minors, and misdemeanor selling or furnishing liquor or malt or brewed beverages to minors. Records show the defendant was released from jail the next day after posting a $100,000 bond. Though the state case is still pending, it will likely take a backseat to the more serious federal case.
An indictment memorandum filed by federal prosecutors alleged that Chantelois intended to exploit the victim so she would “engage in sexually explicit conduct” for the purpose of producing a “visual depiction” that was transported and possessed. As a result, the government has requested that the defendant be detained ahead of trial, arguing that he is a “danger” to the community and a “flight risk.”
The three federal charges add up to 60 years in possible prison time should the defendant be convicted as charged on each. The child sexual exploitation charge is by itself punishable by at least 15 years in prison, the indictment memo noted.
Reached for comment, Chantelois’ defense attorney of record Stephen Sebald told Law&Crime that he is “still investigating the alleged facts and circumstances of the case.” He added that his client is currently in custody in a federal facility in Michigan.
Read the federal indictment, indictment memorandum, and detention request here, here, and here.
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