Man convicted in abduction arrested
Photo 
Leonard Matson
JANESVILLE — A Janesville Township man convicted of attempting to abduct a 7-year-old girl from her home on Christmas Eve in 2000 was arrested Tuesday in connection with a domestic incident.
Leonard C. Matson, 41, is suspected of a probation violation after a Sunday night domestic incident at his sister's home, where he lives, in the 5000 block of Sunnyshore Lane in Janesville Township, Rock County Sheriff's Capt. Jude Maurer said. He was arrested Tuesday at the Super 8 Motel in Janesville.
On Christmas Eve 2000, Matson entered a Janesville family's home, woke a 7-year-old girl, helped her put on her coat and boots and led her out the back door of the house.
The girl's father returned home as Matson and the girl were going out the door. The father yelled, and Matson ran, leaving the girl behind, according to police.
Matson was sentenced to 10 years in prison and 25 years extended supervision in the incident.
On April 19, Matson was moved from the Rock Valley Community Programs halfway house between Beloit and Janesville to live with his sister on Sunnyshore Lane, Maurer said.
Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to the sister's home Sunday night for a report of a domestic disturbance. Matson fled when deputies arrived, Maurer said.
The Wisconsin Department of Corrections alerted Janesville police Monday, and Janesville police issued a press release Monday night seeking the public's help in finding Matson.
Maurer said the extra steps were taken because of the severity of the crime and how it traumatized the family in 2000.
