Robert Bowen
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — Two days before a jury trial was scheduled to begin, the former Riverside Fire District Chief accused of child sex crimes has reached a plea deal with the state.
Court records show Robert Bowen entered a guilty plea for two counts of misdemeanor child sexual assault and a no contest plea to one count of felony child enticement.
A judge then announced a withheld entry of judgment for the felony count, deferring the matter for seven years. Meaning if Bowen complies with the terms of the deferred entry and is not convicted of another felony charge, the matter will be dismissed.
Bowen was accused of making inappropriate sexual advances towards a child who was under the age of 18. Charges came to light in the spring of 2024. He was placed on paid, administrative leave shortly thereafter and reached a separation agreement with the Department later that summer.
Officials with the Village of Rothschild noted that none of the crimes occurred while he was on the clock with the department.
RELATED: Bowen Appears in Court for Child Enticement Charges
The 54-year-old has been free after posting a $15,000 cash bond. Court records show has has moved out of Central Wisconsin.
The case was scheduled for a three-day trial beginning on Wednesday, which has been wiped from the calendar. A sentencing hearing for the misdemeanor counts has been scheduled for June 29th, and a review hearing on the felony count has been scheduled for May 3rd, 2033.
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