By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Defendant wants new judge in sex abuse case
Placeholder Image
MONROE - Green County Circuit Court Judge James Beer bound James M. Norquay, 49, Monroe, over for trial on Wednesday.

Norquay, a former state patrolman, is being charged with three counts of sexual assault against a child. He appeared in court without legal counsel for the preliminary hearing.

Beer found probable cause, however, and set an April 26 arraignment date.

During Wednesday proceedings, according to court records, Norquay also entered a request for a substitution of judge against Beer. As a result, the case will be assigned to a circuit court judge for arraignment by the District Court Administrator for Green County.

Norquay faces three felony counts, each carrying a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison and a $100,000 fine.

Court records allege he repeatedly sexually assaulted a teen foster child, whom he later adopted.

Norquay on March 16 appeared in court for a status hearing without a lawyer, but with a man at his side whom he told the court was "a friend."

Beer also told Norquay to get a private attorney during his hearing in February, and said the defendant was ineligible for a public defender, a point he repeated March 16. Beer said Norquay was "not indigent" in the court's view and, since he has been terminated from his position in the state patrol, was now eligible to receive proceeds from a $99,000 retirement fund and deferred compensation.

Assistant Attorney General Dennis R. Krueger, who has been appointed special prosecutor in the case, has told the court that it also would be in the state's best interest for Norquay to be represented by counsel at trial.

The criminal complaint against Norquay alleges he had sexual intercourse with a child, then 15 years old, after she was placed in his home by Lafayette County Human Services in November, 2008. About a year later, Norquay adopted the victim and the abuse allegedly continued.

He remains free on a $100,000 signature bond and has been ordered to have no contact with the alleged victim.

The three counts against Norquay include: Second-degree sexual assault of a child, sexual assault of child by foster parent; and incest with a child.