A former Seneca Valley School District security guard has pleaded no contest in a Butler County case tied to an alleged on-campus sexual encounter with a student and the later sharing of sexually explicit images. Matthew Alan Cowan, 27, entered the plea this week in Butler County Common Pleas Court under a deal that prosecutors say includes a state prison term, followed by immediate parole so he can serve the minimum on electronic monitoring.
Judge Accepts Plea; Sentencing Set For Sept. 3
Judge Joseph Kubit signed off on the plea agreement and set sentencing for Sept. 3 to give the Sexual Offenders Assessment Board time to complete its evaluation, according to the Butler Eagle. The outlet reports the deal calls for 24 to 84 months in prison on the aggravated indecent assault charge and a concurrent 12 to 66 months on the dissemination count. Under the agreement, Cowan is expected to be paroled at sentencing to serve the minimum term on electronic monitoring, followed by 36 months of probation.
How investigators say the case unfolded
Jackson Township police say the case traces back to August 2021, when a 17-year-old Seneca Valley student reported that Cowan kissed and touched her on a trail behind the school, then repeatedly requested nude photos over a period of time, according to WPXI. Investigators later linked an online account they allege belonged to Cowan to multiple Instagram and Snapchat messages, and criminal complaints ultimately stacked up to dozens of counts alleging possession and dissemination of child sexual-abuse material.
Charges, community reaction and employment
When Cranberry Township police and other agencies filed charges in late 2022, local coverage reported that the indictment climbed to more than 50 counts and triggered an arrest warrant, with neighbors telling reporters they were deeply disturbed by the allegations. KDKA reported that Cowan was fired from his security job with the district after the accusations became public.
Legal consequences under Pennsylvania law
Under Pennsylvania’s Megan’s Law system, registration rules vary by tier. The Pennsylvania State Police Megan's Law site notes that Tier I offenders must register once a year for 15 years, Tier II offenders must appear twice a year for 25 years, and Tier III offenders must verify their information four times a year for life. The Sexual Offenders Assessment Board is required to submit a written assessment to the district attorney within 90 days of conviction, advising whether a Sexually Violent Predator hearing should be held, according to the board’s materials.
What happens next
Cowan’s formal sentencing will take place after the SOAB evaluation is finished and the court’s calendar allows. Local reporting indicates the plea agreement anticipates immediate parole at sentencing, with electronic monitoring for the minimum term and probation to follow. For details on the plea hearing and upcoming court dates, see coverage from ButlerRadio.
Local safety and oversight
Seneca Valley School District officials said in 2022 that they cut ties with the private security company that employed Cowan after the allegations surfaced and that they require child-clearance checks for all guards, a district spokeswoman told WPXI. District and law-enforcement representatives did not immediately offer new comment on the no contest plea. Court dockets and filings from prosecutors are expected to clarify whether any additional victims or counts are pursued before sentencing.
