admin @ Tue, 2005-10-11 11:14
Edward L. Cramer Jr., 47, of Wisconsin Dells, now faces 60 years in prison for a series of incidents in which he allegedly had sexual contact with the child. The victim estimated the alleged assaults happened between 10 and 15 times, according to charges filed Monday against Cramer.
The Daily Register is withholding information about the child to protect the child's identity. Although it is not a child under Cramer's care at Our House Day Care, Assistant District Attorney Steve Sarbacker said Cramer is due to face additional charges in the coming days for allegedly assaulting a 3-year-old client of the day care center.
Defense attorney Rebecca Richards-Bria said Cramer has lived in Columbia County since 1994, and is married with stepchildren. He's operated the day care, currently with about six children, for nine years. Cramer also has been active in the community with Little League baseball and community fund-raisers, she said.
Sarbacker, however, said Cramer brought with him a criminal history from the state of New York, including a charge of sexual misconduct and attempted rape and convictions for burglary, forgery and possessing stolen property. Sarbacker couldn't confirm the age of the sex-crime victim or whether there was a conviction, but he did confirm Cramer has been to prison before on one of the cases.
"I believe � with the day care that there needs to be some additional protection to ensure that no more kids are going to his house," Sarbacker said Monday. He asked Columbia County Circuit Judge Daniel George for a significant cash bond and a court order prohibiting Cramer from having any contact whatsoever with juveniles.
Richards-Bria argued that Cramer could be released with special conditions and shouldn't require a hefty bail. "Obviously these allegations alone will destroy his business," she added.
George ultimately ordered a $5,000 cash bond, with conditions that Cramer not have contact with any juveniles. "Given the alleged prior criminal history and the seriousness of these offenses, the court considers that the defendant does present a significant risk to the community," he said.
Sarbacker said after court that social services agencies investigating the day care center told him it wasn't licensed. No other assault victims are known right now beyond the two children, Sarbacker said. "We're looking for other possible victims, but we haven't confirmed anything yet," he said.
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