Lewiston man ordered to stay away from mosque

AUBURN – A Lewiston man accused of rolling a severed pig’s head into a mosque was ordered by a judge Thursday to stay away from the mosque and its members.

Superior Court Justice Ellen Gorman granted the state’s request for a preliminary injunction in its civil lawsuit against Brent Matthews, who is accused of violating the Maine Civil Rights Act.

The injunction orders Matthews to stay at least 150 feet away from the Lewiston-Auburn Islamic Center and its members. He was also ordered not to have communication with members of the mosque except for purposes of his defense and only through his attorney.

Matthews, 33, testified at Thursday’s hearing, along with two members of the mosque and two members of the Lewiston Police Department, said Assistant Attorney General Leanne Robbin.

“He admitted that he put the pig’s head there, but he said it was just a joke,” Robbin said.

Gorman’s order is a preliminary injunction, and the state will not seek to have a permanent injunction issued until the criminal charge against Matthews is resolved, Robbin said.

If Matthews violates conditions of the injunction, he could face jail time and fines.

Matthews’ attorney, James Howaniec, said his client never intended to create an uproar with his actions. “He’s very remorseful about what has happened,” Howaniec said.

Matthews was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of desecrating a house of worship after he allegedly rolled the pig’s head into the mosque on the night of July 3 as a group of about 40 men were bowed in prayer.

Muslims are prohibited from eating pork, and the act was viewed by many as an insult upon Muslims.