LEONARD GRAY / L’Observateur / October 11, 1999

NORCO – Bond for accused child molestor Brian Matherne was reduced Wednesday by 29th Judicial District Judge Robert Chaisson from $1.5million to $1 million.

He remains in the St. Charles Parish Correctional Center, in isolation,unable to raise bond.

Matherne’s attorney, Corbett Ourso Jr. of Hammond, commented that whattroubles him about the still-sizeable bond is that there is no prior criminal history, no failure to appear in court, and that he’s a local resident with ties to the community.

He added of Matherne, “He’s doing as well as he could, considering he’s in prison.”Matherne, 44, was indicted Aug. 23 by the St. Charles Parish grand jury on19 counts of felony sexual abuse, including four counts of aggravated crime against nature.

Ourso pointed out his opinion that Matherne was not a flight risk, despite the prosecutors’ assertion that his client “refused” to turn himself in.

On the other hand, Ourso said, Matherne was visiting his sister in Hammond at the time of the warrant’s issue. He first learned of it througha telephone conversation, during which he was asked to surrender.

Matherne, Ourso said, responded he would do so in the morning. Before thenight was over, though, officers arrived and made the apprehension.

Assistant District Attorney Kurt Sins indicated, on the other hand, that given the nature of the charges, the court certainly felt Matherne was a flight risk.

Co-prosecutor Kim McElwee, an assistant for District Attorney Harry Morel’s office, told the court on Wednesday that Matherne was still considered a “threat to the community” and that it was in the town’s best interest and Matherne’s as well to keep him incarcerated.

Another issue discussed in Wednesday’s hearing was the nature of the prosecution’s physical evidence, which included two “Penthouse” magazines from the fishing camp where the alleged sexual encounters took place with the then-underage boys.

What was recovered instead were commercially-produced videotapes, none of an “adult” nature, such as “Dances with Wolves.” Detectives had beenseeking audio or video recordings of a sexual nature and turned up only the magazines, Ourso said.

Co-prosecutor Howat Peters told the court the case hinged principally on the sworn testimony of the 11 victims.

The next hearing was set for Oct. 28 to discuss any remaining pre-trialmotions, including some discovery issues, Ourso said.

Trial is set for the week of Jan. 18, the Tuesday following Martin LutherKing Day, starting at 9 a.m.Ourso continued to assert that no change of venue is contemplated at this time, however, he is keeping the option open.

“The sheriff’s office has been treating him well,” Matherne’s attorney said, and added that the family still feels comfortable with the trial taking place in Hahnville, as they feel local jurors will keep an open mind on the facts presented in court.

The indictment itself does not provide the name of any alleged victim, Ourso said, only initials to identify each. Ourso is a public defender in the21st Judicial District Court hired by Matherne’s family to defend him.

According to McElwee, the charges involve 11 boys, all between the ages of 11 and 17, allegedly committed between June 1985 and June 1999. Hewas arrested Aug. 5.The alleged crimes reportedly happened at a hunting camp in the LaBranche Wetlands, and also at places such as in a truck, at a Norco ball field and at duck blinds near the camp.

Matherne is a former coach and teacher with 23 years experience at Sacred Heart School in Norco. The alleged victims now range in age from14 to 25, and were students at the school.

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