Convicted molester's mother takes the stand in her son's hearing

The mother of a Bakersfield man facing more than 100 years behind bars took the stand in her son's molestation case. Prosecutors tried to show the judge Justin Erbacher's mother may be pushing the young girls to recant their testimonies in hopes of covering up the convicted molester's crimes.

Erbacher, 24, was convicted of nine felonies after four girls said he molested them. Three months after he was convicted, three of those victims have changed their stories saying Erbacher never touched them.

Friday was the the third day in a hearing that could lead to a new trial for Erbacher. In court, his mother took the stand. She is also the adoptive mother of the young victims.

Prosecutor Kimberly Marshall is trying to prove that Melody Erbacher pressured the girls to change their stories. Marshall played a phone conversation between Erbacher and his mother that was taped after he was convicted, but before the girls recanted their testimonies.

During that call, Melody Erbacher asked her son, "So, did they tell you what will happen if the thing does not work out?" The elder Erbacher told the court Friday she does not remember what she meant by "the thing."

Later in that phone call, The defendant's mother tells Justin, "None of them wanted you to go to jail." The prosecutor also pointed out that Melody Erbacher had been shredding letters her son sent her while he was behind bars.

One of the victims, who recanted her story, testified again Friday. She told the judge she blames the court system for ruining her life. While the prosecutor questioned the 14 year old she became upset and said, "My dad and my brother looked a lot alike. I don't understand why if I keep telling you... Why do you still want my brother in jail?"

Each of the three girls now say they were molested by Justin's father, Stephan Erbacher. But Stephan Erbacher shot and killed himself the day police were on their way to arrest him.

Defense attorney Michael Webb says he hopes the judge will decide by next week if Erbacher will be granted a new trial.