Society pianist convicted on child sex charge

Associated Press - November 20, 2009 9:04 AM ET

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Matthew Scoggin, known for playing the piano at debutante balls and other high society events in New Orleans, was convicted of sexually abusing his 9-year-old niece.

The Times-Picayune reported a jury in state court returned a guilty verdict Thursday on a charge of indecent behavior with a juvenile under the age of 13, which carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.

Scoggin, 51, was led away in handcuffs before dozens of family members who attended the 2-day trial.

His niece and a 19-year-old woman testified Scoggin had inappropriately touched them, the older woman when she as 8 or 9 years old.

Information from: The Times-Picayune, http://www.nola.com