Man accused of abusing Haitian kids stands trial

Michigan man accused of sexually abusing Haitian children stands trial in Miami federal court

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Published On: Feb 05 2013 12:08:05 PM EST
MIAMI -

A Michigan man is standing trial in Miami federal court on charges of abusing children at a group home in Haiti's capital.

Matthew Andrew Carter of Brighton, Mich., has been in custody since his 2011 arrest at Miami International Airport. He faces six charges, including five counts of traveling from Florida to Haiti for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity with minors.

Carter ran the Morning Star Center in Haiti's capital from 1995 through 2011. The Haitian government closed it after Carter's arrest.

In opening statements Tuesday, federal prosecutor Maria Medetis said Carter forced children in his care to satisfy his sexual demands in exchange for food, education and security.

Carter's attorney said children at the center lived there with their parents' permission and were always free to leave.

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