The petition was filed earlier this month in Brown County Circuit Court and alleged that Samuel H. Staeven (DOB August 16, 1967) is a sexually violent person and should be committed for treatment.  A probable cause hearing is scheduled for March 16, 2007, before Judge Peter J. Naze.

Chapter 980 of the Wisconsin Statutes relates to the control, care and treatment of sexually violent persons. Under Wisconsin law, a person may be subject to a civil commitment when the person has been convicted of a sexually violent offense, has a mental disorder, and is dangerous to others because the mental disorder makes it likely he or she will commit further acts of sexual violence.  A civil commitment is defined in Wisconsin law as commitment to the custody and care of the Department of Health and Family Services for control, care, and treatment until the person is no longer considered sexually violent.

According to the DOJ petition, Samuel H. Staeven was convicted of Child Enticement - Sexual Contact in Brown County in 2001 and was sentenced to a six year term of initial confinement followed by a six  year term of extended supervision. Staeven is scheduled for release from the Green Bay Correctional Institution on March 15, 2007.

The state's petition alleges that Samuel H. Staeven suffers from mental conditions that predispose him to engage in acts of sexual violence.  The petition also alleges that Samuel H. Staeven is dangerous as his mental disorders make it likely that he will engage in future acts of sexual violence.

Assistant Attorney General Juan Colas will represent the state in this case.