By Shereen Siewert
A former Wausau substitute teacher is facing felony child sex assault charges after two elementary students raised allegations of sexually inappropriate touching earlier this month.
Zachary Robins, 24, faces a single felony charge of first degree child sex assault-sexual contact with a person under age 13 in Marathon County Circuit Court. The charges were filed Oct. 30, at which time Robins made an initial appearance and was ordered held on a $20,000 bond.
Wausau School District Communications Coordinator Amy Arlen said Robins was hired through Parallel Education, a company the District retained in summer 2019 to manage its substitute teachers and staff. Robins worked only a few hours and is no longer a substitute teacher in the district, Arlen said.
“Mr. Robins subbed in the District for 1.5 days this school year; a half-day at Rib Mountain Elementary School and one day at Riverview Elementary School,” Arlen said. “Parallel Education terminated Mr. Robins’ employment.“
Court records show no prior criminal history for Robins, who lists a Weston address.
Charges were filed after a student told Riverview Elementary School administrators that Robins touched her bottom in a way that made her feel “sick,” according to court documents. A second alleged victim told administrators and police that Robins touched her bottom and made contact with her skin.
The alleged incidents happened Oct. 15.
The charges carry a maximum penalty of 60 years in the Wisconsin Prison System. A pretrial conference is set for Dec. 12.
