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| Bob Matheson / Josh Moran |
This is how Brian Charles broke the story down for us. It is a damning snapshot of what was once this town's political and social elite, while also exposing the fecklessness of the local government agency that we entrust with our City's care.
Porn convict has Sierra Madre political ties: Police announced Thursday that they have opened an investigation into a politically connected member of the Chamber of Commerce after he was convicted in Canada of possessing child porn. On Tuesday, Robert Matheson, 66, pleaded guilty in a Canadian court to possession and smuggling of child pornography. He was sentenced to 120 days in jail.
Sierra Madre police Capt. Larry Giannone said the department is not aware of any local children being victimized by Matheson. Although Matheson was arrested two months ago, Giannone said he only launched an investigation this week. "We were not informed about his arrest until the (Star-News) article came out," Giannone said.
As of Thursday, Sierra Madre police had not searched Matheson's home. "We will have to see how the investigation goes," Giannone said. "We are looking into him to see whether we have any cases to file here."
In October, Matheson's laptop was searched as he passed through airport security at Halifax Stanfield Airport. Authorities said they found 2,500 pictures of naked boys, some engaged in sex acts; 280 videos of boys, some of which also showed children engaged in sex acts.
In addition to the videos and pictures, Matheson's laptop contained lurid short stories, one of which detailed a sexual relationship between a pre-teen boy and a priest.
City officials said they had no idea if any of the underage youth in the photos or videos were from Sierra Madre or surrounding communities.
Matheson maintained ties to several local politicians, including former Mayor Joe Mosca. Besides signing nomination papers for Mosca in 2010, Matheson hosted a fundraiser for Mosca at Matheson's Liliano Drive home. Mosca moved to Great Britain earlier this year and was unavailable for comment.
As bad as all that was, we now get to the part of this article that is pretty much the purpose of today's post. I've highlighted it so everything is abundantly clear.
Other politicians Thursday sought to distance themselves from Matheson. Although he was supported by Matheson and attended several functions, including one at Matheson's home, Councilman Josh Moran said the longtime resident didn't stand out.
"I didn't know him at all," Moran said. "He was just another face in the crowd."
The picture we have posted here for you today tells an entirely different story. With his arm draped around Bob Matheson's shoulder and a look of pride on his face, there can be little doubt that when this photo was taken Josh believed he was in the presence of a valued political supporter, and friend.
Can you believe anything Josh Moran says anymore?
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