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Matlock pleads not guilty at arraignment

Date set for OAMI director's criminal trial for resisting arrest

John Matlock, director of the Office of Academic and Multicultural Initiatives, pled not guilty April 23 to charges of resisting arrest and assault and battery.

Now he must wait.

Jury selection in his criminal trial is scheduled to begin July 12. But the looming court date is not slowing down the OAMI director.

Matlock is currently representing the University at a conference in Albuquerque, N.M., and is also busy directing OAMI's preparations for fall term.

Matlock's supervisor and vice provost of Academic and Multicultural Affairs Lester Monts said the entire department is busy preparing for incoming students.

"(Matlock) has continued to serve as director of OAMI and he has done an excellent job," Monts said.

Associate Vice President for University Relations Lisa Baker said the University continues to value Matlock and his services.

"He continues to serve the University just as he always has," Baker said.

The charges against Matlock stem from a Feb. 17 incident at the Central Campus Recreation Building. Scheduled to officiate a charity basketball contest, he entered the CCRB through an exit door. Upon entering, Matlock and officers from the University's Department of Public Safety were allegedly involved in a shoving match that resulted in the OAMI director's arrest.

Matlock was not originally charged pending a Michigan State Police investigation. The state police concluded DPS officers acted properly, and Matlock was subsequently charged.