Convicted child molester s mother refuses to attend sentencing
By Gloria Gomez
Gloria Gomez reports
TAMPA, Fla. - Lewis Matthews is a convicted child molester. Now he is headed to prison.
At his sentencing Monday, attorney Bryant Camareno told the judge that Matthews’ own mother wasn t planning on showing up for her son s sentencing hearing. She doesn t want to come, explained Camareno.
Back in April of 2019, Matthews sexually battered his girlfriend’s 10-year-old daughter while living with the family. One night, the victim’s mother walked in and caught Matthews with her daughter.
Investigators say Matthews panicked and then took the victim, without her mother’s permission, to a convenience store. They say he bought bleach and poured it on the victim to destroy any DNA evidence.
Faking insanity?
Published Mar. 5, 2014
A prosecutor asserted on Tuesday that Joshua Hakken, the Tampa engineer accused of kidnapping his children and fleeing to Cuba, is faking insanity to avoid prison time.
The surprise claim derailed an anticipated resolution to the case, as a judge ordered Hakken to stand trial rather than receiving psychiatric treatment. His wife and co-defendant, Sharyn Hakken, will also face a jury.
Hillsborough Circuit Judge Chet Tharpe scheduled a two-week trial for the Hakkens beginning June 16. The couple is charged with kidnapping their two young sons last year after their parental rights were terminated, then crossing the Straits of Florida in a sailboat.