Matt Queen Fined, Gets Probation for Role in Sexual Abuse Coverup

The former Southwestern Seminary official pleaded guilty to making a false statement to law enforcement.

A federal investigation of the handling of sexual misconduct by Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary has so far resulted in the sentencing of one seminary official.

Matt Queen in a video for Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in November 2022. (Video screen grab)

Matt Queen, former provost and professor, was sentenced to time served, one year of probation, and a $2,000 fine, Christianity Today reported.

“While I have repented of my sin before God, made it right with the government by correcting my false statement to them, and have pled guilty before this Court, I will forever live with the knowledge that I lied, an action contrary to my faith, my character and my morals,” Queen said in a statement to the court. “I am daily reminded that my lie has disappointed my God, my wife, my daughters, my parents, my brothers, my church, my friends, and my students.”

Queen was indicted on a charge of obstructing justice in May 2024. In October, he pleaded guilty to a charge of making a false statement to law enforcement.

He resigned his post as pastor of Friendly Avenue Baptist Church in Greensboro, North Carolina, in November.

According to a statement by the seminary, it has been cooperating since November 2022 with the federal investigation into how the school handled allegations of sexual abuse.

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School officials were required by investigators to turn over any documents related to the sexual abuse allegations. A report had been created by the seminary about the abuse allegations, however, it was later destroyed. The report supposedly included evidence that the seminary knew about the abuse, but had failed to take action.

Federal investigators say Queen heard one seminary employee tell another to destroy the report, but Queen created false notes about the conversation he overheard.

Terri Stovall, the seminary’s dean of women, came forward to say she created the report, but refused to destroy it when Heath Woolman, then chief of staff, asked her to do so.

“I am grateful for the diligence of the Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York for holding Queen accountable for his criminal actions while serving as interim provost at Southwestern,” Stovall said in a statement. “My hope is that the full truth and extent of his actions — and the actions of others who are no longer employed at Southwestern — will one day come to light.”

“[W]e are hopeful that the investigation will soon reach its conclusion, allowing all parties to move forward,” Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary said in a statement. “Our prayers for Matt Queen and his family as well as all others involved in this process continue.”

“Southwestern Seminary remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all members of our community, taking every possible measure to prevent sexual abuse and harassment,” the seminary added. 

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