By Shereen Siewert
WAUSAU — A 61-year-old Wausau man will spend 8 years in prison for sexually assaulting a child when the girl was about 7 years old.
Douglas Strasser pleaded guilty Nov. 27 to charges of first degree sexual assault of a child younger than 13 and child enticement; his sentencing hearing was held Friday, Feb. 14 following a presentencing investigation.
Two counts of exposing genitals to a child were dismissed as part of a plea agreement but were considered by Circuit Judge Jill Falstad at sentencing.
The felony charges were filed March 8 in Marathon County Circuit Court.
An investigation began in February when the alleged victim, who is now 15, told social workers at the Eau Claire County Child Advocacy Center that Strasser approached her when the girl was visiting a family member, told her to take off her clothes, and touched her inappropriately.
Strasser was known to the girl but they are not blood relatives, according to court documents.
Police say Strasser asked the girl if she wanted to see his penis, then pulled down his pants and underwear and rubbed her breast. In an interview with investigators Strasser said he was “more in shape back then” and thought the girl was attracted to him when he allowed her to “spit” in his mouth, according to the police report.
Judge Falstad also ordered Strasser to spend 12 years on extended supervision following his release from prison and pay restitution of $8,122.79. Strasser, who is prohibited from contact with anyone younger than 18, is also required to remain on the sex offender registry for the remainder of his life.
Strasser, who was free on bond prior to sentencing, was immediately taken into the custody and transported to prison.
