LEONARD GRAY / L’Observateur / October 18, 1999

NORCO – One week after bond was reduced on Brian Matherne of Norco, the accused child molester was re-booked on additional charges.

“This matter is still under investigation, and we’re still talking to additional possible victims,” St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Officespokesman Capt. Patrick Yoes commented.Matherne, 44, was charged with the additional charges when two more alleged victims came forward to the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office.Matherne’s new charges are contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile, attempted aggravated crime against nature, indecent behavior with a juvenile and two counts each of molestation of a juvenile and sexual battery.

At the time of these incidents, which reportedly took place between 1988 and 1993, the male victims were ages 13 and 8.

On Oct. 6, Matherne’s bond was reduced from $1.5 million to $1 million by29th Judicial District Judge Robert Chaisson. Matherne remains in theparish jail, isolated from other inmates for his own protection.

Matherne was indicted Aug. 23 by the parish grand jury on 19 counts offelony sexual abuse, including four counts of aggravated crime against nature.

Matherne’s next hearing is set Oct. 28 to discuss pre-trial motions,defense attorney Corbett Ourso Jr. of Hammond said.Trial is set for the week of Jan. 18, the Tuesday following Martin LutherKing Day, starting at 9 a.m.Assistant District Attorney Kim McElwee said the earlier charges involve 11 boys, all between the ages of 11 and 17, the acts allegedly committed between June 1985 and June 1999.

Matherne was arrested Aug. 5.Matherne is a former coach and teacher with 23 years tenure at Sacred Heart School in Norco. The alleged victims, then students at that school,now range in age from 14 to 25.

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