Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen Announces Commitment of Roy Burnam to Treatment Under Chapter 980

MADISON — Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen announced today that Roy Burnam, age 47, was committed in Waukesha County Circuit Court under Wisconsin's civil commitment law (Chapter 980, Wis. Stats.) after a hearing before Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge Patrick C. Haughney.

Roy Burnam was previously convicted of Third Degree Sexual Assault and Child Enticement in Waukesha County in 1998.

The State's petition alleged that Burnam suffers from a mental condition that predisposes him to engage in acts of sexual violence. The petition also alleges that Burnam is dangerous as his mental disorder makes it likely that he will engage in future acts of sexual violence.

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 Services for control, care, and treatment until the person is no longer considered sexually violent.

Burnam was scheduled for release from prison on April 28, 2010. After the commitment petition was filed by the State, he was instead transferred to secure custody in a Department of Health Services institution while awaiting resolution of the court proceedings.

Assistant Attorney General Dennis Krueger represented the State in this case.