Matthew Swart transferred amid accusations of indecent exposure, threats at Hampshire County jail
NORTHAMPTON — A 26-year-old homeless man, arrested last year after allegedly exposing himself to children at Forbes Library, was ordered transferred Tuesday to the Franklin County Jail and House of Correction amid new accusations.
Matthew Swart, whose address is listed as the streets of Northampton, pleaded not guilty in Hampshire Superior Court Tuesday to 33 counts stemming from his alleged behavior while in custody. Swart was arraigned on 18 counts of threatening to commit a crime, six counts each of open and gross lewdness and defacement or destruction of property, two counts of indecent exposure and one count of disturbing a correctional facility.
According to court files, while in custody at the Hampshire Jail and House of Correction, Swart exposed himself to female corrections officers, damaged property and made threats to stab, rape and kill members of the staff and their families if he were to be released. Swart is being held on $5,000 cash bail.
— BOB DUNN
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