Local Business Co-Owner Arrested for 4 Counts of Sexual Battery of a Minor
Case highlights legal process and efforts to protect victims
Editors Note: We were contacted by the management at Art-Craft signs. Their statement was that Matthew Ryan Reilly is not an owner and is no longer employed by Art-Craft signs.
A shocking case has emerged in Palm Bay as local business co-owner Matthew Ryan Reilly, 30, faces serious allegations of sexual battery and lewd or lascivious molestation involving a minor. Reilly, a co-owner of the prominent Art-Kraft Sign Company on Kirby Circle NE, is charged with multiple offenses alleged to have taken place between June 2024 and January 2025. The case has garnered significant attention due to the company’s longstanding ties to the local community.
Allegations and Charges
According to the affidavit filed by the Palm Bay Police Department, Reilly is charged with four counts of sexual battery by threats of retaliation upon a person under the age of 18, as well as one count of lewd or lascivious molestation. The minor, referred to as [Victim 1] in court documents, reported a series of coerced sexual encounters that occurred at the company’s premises.
The affidavit states that Reilly allegedly initiated contact with the victim via Snapchat, offering over $50,000 in gifts and weekly allowances in exchange for explicit photos, videos, and sexual acts. The victim described being subjected to emotional manipulation and threats of retaliation, including threats of suicide by Reilly, to
maintain silence.


Court Proceedings
Reilly appeared before Judge Kathryn C. Jacobs in the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Court, Brevard County, Florida, for his initial hearing on January 13, 2025. The charges against him include:
Four counts of Sexual Battery Victim >12 <18 Offender >18 or Over.
One count of Lewd or Lascivious Molestation.
Reilly was denied bond, reflecting the severity of the allegations and concerns about potential risks to community safety. His next court appearance is scheduled for February 6, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. in the Moore Justice Center.
Booking Details
Reilly was booked into the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office on January 13, 2025, at 3:38 p.m. His booking details include:
Age: 30
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 195 lbs.
Residence: Vero Beach, FL.
Timeline of Events
The alleged abuse began in the summer of 2024 and continued until January 2025. The victim, an apprentice at Art-Kraft Sign Company, reported that the incidents primarily took place in Reilly’s office and a room referred to as the “laser room” at the shop. The victim confided in a co-worker on January 7, 2025, leading to the case being reported to authorities.
Evidence Gathered
Detectives from the Palm Bay Police Department have compiled a range of evidence as part of their investigation:
Physical Evidence: The victim provided detailed accounts of DNA evidence on office chairs and discarded rags, which detectives are seeking through a search warrant.
Digital Evidence: Snapchat communications between Reilly and the victim allegedly document explicit exchanges and threats.
Witness Testimonies: A co-worker corroborated the victim’s claims, noting suspicious behavior and lavish gift-giving.
Recorded Phone Call: Investigators documented a phone call where Reilly reportedly expressed guilt and attempted to secure the victim’s silence.
Community Impact
The case has drawn attention to the importance of justice and thorough investigations in addressing serious allegations. The prominence of Art-Kraft Sign Company in the community has added a layer of scrutiny to the proceedings.
How to Assist
The Palm Bay Police Department is urging anyone with additional information about the case to come forward. Confidentiality will be maintained for those who provide information, and resources are available to support individuals impacted by the case.
Contact the Palm Bay Police Department at (321) 952-3456 if you have relevant information.
Community resources, such as the Brevard County Advocacy Center, are available to offer assistance to those in need.
Ongoing Coverage
This is a developing story. Stay tuned to The Palm Bayer for updates as more details emerge about this case.
*Every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, ensuring that justice is served fairly and equitably.