HILLTOWNS — A 22-year-old Berne man was arrested last week for statutory rape, and is now being held at Albany County’s jail.

On Friday, Oct. 1, Greg L. Matthews of Berne was arrested by the New York State Police for third-degree rape, a felony, after allegedly having sexual intercourse with a 15-year-old girl at a location in the town of Knox.

Matthews was in an ongoing relationship with the girl, and the rape was not forcible, according to Maureen Tuffey, spokesperson for the New York State Police.

“It’s a rape based on age alone,” said Tuffey this week.

The New York State Department of Social Services was first made aware of the relationship between Matthews and the girl, and Social Services then brought the case to the State Police, according to a release from the police.

Tuffey could not reveal who brought the relationship to the attention of Social Services.

“If the family knew, they probably would have contacted us directly,” Tuffey said. “If somebody has knowledge that this is going on, they could directly call us. But sometimes, in a certain setting, it’s easier to go through Social Services.”

She also could not reveal what evidence confirmed that they were having the relationship, leading to his arrest.

“Once you know it’s not forced, and it’s a consensual relationship, [third-degree] is the lowest you can go, and it’s still rape,” Tuffey said. “If it’s someone who’s mentally retarded or mentally disabled, that’s a whole different degree. But rape-third is for consensual rape outside the age limit.”

While the case is still being investigated, Tuffey said it will not likely carry on much longer.

“We got a report; we investigated it; we found reasonable cause to arrest him,” she said. “Now, it’s up to the [district attorney] as to what they do with it.”

As of Tuesday, Matthews was still in jail, with bail set at $35,000.

His appearance in Knox Town Court Wednesday night was postponed.