A Merrill man’s case involving child sexual assault was delayed once again Oct. 2 as his attorney requested more time to get an expert witness.
Richard Jones Sr. said there has been no settlement agreed upon between the state and his client, James Kropf, 46, and that he and co-counsel Carly Krueger need more time to get the witness on boards. The court rescheduled the hearing for 9 a.m. Jan. 14, 2025.
Kropf was charged May 5, 2023, with a felony charge involving the sexual assault of a child in relation to two incidents between September 2021 and April 2022 in Bowler.
According to the criminal complaint, a Shawano County deputy received a call from Child Protective Services regarding a 10-year-old girl in Kropf’s care. CPS reported the girl told them that Kropf touched her in the swimsuit area. The daughter lives with her mother and has visitation with Kropf on weekends.
In an interview with the daughter’s mother, the mother was allegedly surprised and unaware of the circumstances. She told law enforcement that visits with the child’s father are from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and are supervised by Kropf’s mother.
In an interview with the child, the child described two instances where Kropf touched her chest in an inappropriate manner. She stated that both of the instances took place at Kropf’s mother’s home. When wrestling on the ground, the child said that Kropf touched her chest over her clothes, and she told him to stop, which she also said Kropf mimicked. The child also described a similar situation for the second time it happened.
If convicted, Kropf faces up to $100,000 in fines and up to 40 years in prison. He is out on a $50,000 bond.
lpulaski@newmedia-wi.com
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