Neillsville baby sitter pleads not guilty to child sex assault

WHITEHALL - A Neillsville man accused of molesting a 7-year-old boy he was baby-sitting pleaded not guilty Wednesday to child sex assault charges.

Patrick James Bautch, 26, was bound over for trial after waiving his right to a preliminary hearing in which the state would have to present evidence to support charges of first-degree sexual assault and attempted first-degree sexual assault of a child under 12.

According to a criminal complaint, the Independence boy told police Bautch performed oral sex on him against his will in the winter of 2011 and again May 28. He also requested the boy do the same for him. The boy's mother said Bautch regularly baby-sat her children.

Bautch was arrested July 30 after police asked for help locating him. Judge John Damon reduced his bond to $2,500, though Bautch remained in custody Wednesday afternoon. He is scheduled to return to court Sept. 24.

(c)2012 the La Crosse Tribune (La Crosse, Wis.)

Visit the La Crosse Tribune (La Crosse, Wis.) at www.lacrossetribune.com

Distributed by MCT Information Services

Tags: news, crime, courts, youth, wisconsin