Parents ask: Why was Fresno lawyer accused of molesting five children out of jail?
A Fresno lawyer, charged in 2017 with sexually assaulting five girls under the age 10, was placed back in jail Friday, much to the satisfaction of the parents of his alleged victims.
Several of the parents were in court Friday and watched as a Fresno County Sheriff’s deputy placed handcuffs on Steven Matlak’s wrists.
Matlak posted bail in May, allowing him to receive therapy for an alleged sexual addiction. He and his attorney Harry Drandell agreed he would go back to jail on Friday.
Prosecutor Dennis Verzosa told Judge Michael Idiart that one of the mothers of the alleged victims wanted to speak to the court, but Drandell objected and Idiart agreed it wasn’t the right time.
Idiart said the parents would have their opportunity at other points in the process, including sentencing.
Matlak, who practiced business law, trusts and estates, was arrested on July 28, 2017 and charged with multiple sex crimes, including lewd acts with a child under 10, oral copulation of a child under 10 and arranging a meeting with a child for lewd behavior.
Matlak, whose California law license is suspended, was released from jail after posting bail. He was arrested again on Aug. 10, 2017 after detectives uncovered new allegations against him.
Detectives said five victims – all of whom know Matlak’s daughter – have accused the attorney of touching them inappropriately. If convicted, he could face life in prison.
Drandell said that along with receiving treatment, Matlak had also been spending time in Utah with his mother who has been diagnosed with cancer.
Ideally, Drandell said Matlak would like to remain out of jail.
“I still have serious concerns about the jail and COVID, and I know he would like to be with his mother right now,” Drandell said. “But pursuant to our agreement with the people he will be remanded into custody.”
This story was originally published August 29, 2020 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Parents ask: Why was Fresno lawyer accused of molesting five children out of jail?."
