McCORDSVILLE — A young child has accused a McCordsville man of sexual assault, telling investigators the man touched her inappropriately while they were alone at his home, according to court documents.
Now, a special prosecutor will brought in to handle the case because the defendant hired the wife of a local deputy prosecutor to serve as his defense attorney.
Matthew Brooks, 41, 5693 N. Attleburg Drive, McCordsville, faces two Level 1 felony counts of child molesting, court records show. Each count carries a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison.
Brooks has hired Indianapolis attorney Gillian Keiffner of Indianapolis to represent him in the case.
Keiffner’s husband is John Keiffner, who works as a deputy prosecutor in Hancock County, overseeing cases in Hancock County Superior Court 1.
John Keiffner would not have handled the case against Brooks, but Prosecutor Brent Eaton said after careful consideration, the staff determined it would be best to bring in an outside attorney to take the lead.
Eaton filed a motion with the court Friday asking for a special prosecutor to be appointed.
“We thought it was most fair for the victim and the defendant,” Eaton said.
The allegations came to light last week.
During an interview at the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department last week, the child told a representative from the Indiana Department of Child Services she had been abused, court documents state.
The child’s mother made the first report to child services, officials said.
Based on the girl’s description of what happened to her, police believe Brooks forced the child to engage in a sex act, according to court documents.
The incident took place at Brooks’ home in McCordsville in his bedroom, the girl told investigators.
Brooks was arrested Monday.
He appeared in Hancock County Superior Court 1 on Tuesday morning and pleaded not guilty to the charges he faces. He posted a $10,000 cash bond and was released from the county jail, records show.
Brooks is expected back in court Feb. 7, records show.