By Shereen Siewert
An Edgar teenager is facing armed robbery charges after allegedly beating another boy with a baseball bat and stealing about $150 from his wallet.
James Schneider, 17, also faces child abuse charges in a case filed July 14 in Marathon County Circuit Court. Schneider, who is being tried as an adult, was ordered held on a $2,500 bond with the first $500 to be paid in cash.
Police were called July 11 to the Marshfield Medical Center to investigate the alleged incident, which happened at a home on North Third Avenue in Edgar. The victim, also a 17-year-old boy, said Schneider asked the boy to come into the garage, then beat him with a baseball bat until he lost consciousness.
The alleged victim suffered a broken nose, a chipped tooth and abrasions on his knees, according to the incident report.
When interviewed, Schneider admitted arguing with the alleged victim but denied using a bat during the altercation. Investigators searched Schneider’s garage and discovered cast off blood on a garage door and an aluminum bat, which was tucked between studs in a wall.
If Schneider is convicted, he faces up to 80 years in the Wisconsin prison system and up to $200,000 in fines. A review hearing is set for July 22.
