Post Falls man sentenced for child molestation

A settlement agreement resulted in a 20-year prison sentence for a Post Falls business owner accused of molesting children.

Daniel S. Mattern 58, was sentenced Tuesday to a mandatory 10 years in prison, followed by another 10 years indeterminate, for a combined 20 years.

Mattern admitted to fondling children, but he said the incidents occurred decades ago and there has not been an incident since then.

In front of a packed courtroom in Coeur d’Alene two alleged victims addressed the court in emotional pleas to lock up Mattern. One of the victims, a teenager, said she was recently molested by Mattern.

Mattern pleaded guilty to three counts of injury to a child, which each carry a maximum 10 years behind bars and First District Judge Cynthia K.C. Meyer said Mattern deserved the full measure of the sentences.

Mattern is the owner of Specialty Construction Systems and S.C.S. Properties of Post Falls.