January 9, 2023 at 1:04 p.m.
Laona man facing three felonies following ICAC investigation
Laona man facing three felonies following ICAC investigation
By River News Staff-
Paul D. Johnson made his initial appearance in Oneida County Circuit Court Friday afternoon on charges including attempted second degree sexual assault of a child, using a computer to facilitate a child sex crime and child enticement, all felonies.
According the criminal complaint and statements made during Friday's bail hearing, Johnson is accused of traveling from Laona to Rhinelander to meet a person he thought was a 15-year-old female for purposes of a sexual encounter.
Citing the need to protect the public, Oneida County district attorney Mike Schiek requested bond be set at $5,000 cash. Given his chance to speak, Johnson stated he was not guilty and asked for a signature bond so that he can get an attorney and "get this cleared off my record."
Noting the information in the complaint suggests the state has a relatively strong case, Judge Mike Bloom took the district's attorney's recommendation and set bail at $5,000 cash with conditions including no use of any device that can connect to the internet.
Johnson was due back in court Monday afternoon, Jan, 9, for an adjourned initial appearance. That hearing was to take place after this edition went to press.
The Forest County sheriff's office assisted in the investigation, according to an Oneida County sheriff's office press release announcing the arrest which took place Thursday morning.
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