A casting agent who has worked in the Twin Cities film community for many years has been charged in a Massachusetts sexual assault. Matthew Feeney, 43, is accused of assaulting a 14-year-old boy in December 2010. Feeney pleaded not guilty and was released on $25,000 cash bail earlier this month.
Following the news, Feeney announced his resignation as CEO of Walden Entertainment, a Bloomington-based organization he founded. Walden does casting for filmmakers, rents costumes, finds locations and arranges logistics. In particular, several filmmakers said, Feeney specialized in finding background extras -- minimally paid actors. His work involved both children and adults.
Feeney also worked as a stand-up comedian, portrayed Santa Claus in an annual Christmas program and, according to Walden's website, hosted Halloween parties for the past decade at his residence in Cottage Grove. He also acts in small films and has produced commercials.
The Massachusetts arrest is not the first for Feeney on sex charges involving teenage boys. He was convicted in 1993 for molesting boys while he was a counselor for a church camp in Aitkin County. Another case involved a boy who said Feeney touched him improperly while the boy spent a night at Feeney's residence in St. Joseph. Prison time in the Aitkin case was stayed and Feeney was ordered into treatment and 10 years probation.
Feeney is back in Minnesota. No court date has been reported in the Massachusetts case.
GRAYDON ROYCE
