GONZALES - An attorney for embattled Ascension Parish President Kenny Matassa wants his case to be decided by a judge.

On Monday, Matassa's attorney filed a motion for his trial, set for July 10, to be changed to a bench trial, meaning he would waive his right to a jury so that his case would be heard by a judge alone.

Matassa is accused of offering a bribe for a candidate for Gonzales City Council, Wayne Lawson, to drop out of the race for parish president.

In March, Matassa's request to quash his indictment was denied.