James M. Drown Bound Over on Charges of Second Degree Sexual Assault, False Imprisonment and Kidnapping

MADISON — Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen announced that a preliminary hearing was held in Oconto County Circuit Court on June 21, 2012, in which the Honorable Michael T. Judge found probable cause exists to bind over James M. Drown with three felony counts of second degree sexual assault, false imprisonment and kidnapping. Drown was arraigned today and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

On June 21, 2012, the Department of Justice (DOJ) also filed an information alleging that Drown did intentionally confine the victim without the victim's consent, and with knowledge that he had no lawful authority to do so. He also had sexual contact with the victim without consent, and by force did confine the victim, without her consent and with intent to cause her to be secretly confined or restrained on August 19, 2008.

This case was investigated by the Oconto County Sheriff's Department and Shawano County Sheriff's Department. Assistant Attorney General Audrey Skwierawski, Violence Against Women Resource Prosecutor, represents the State of Wisconsin in this prosecution. The DOJ's Office of Crime Victim Services is providing victim services.

While Mr. Drown has been charged with criminal offenses, he is presumed innocent at this time, and the State will need to prove him guilty of the offenses beyond a reasonable doubt.