MONROE - James Rackow, accused of sexually assaulting an unconscious woman, appeared in Green County Circuit Court Wednesday and pleaded not guilty to charges of burglary and second-degree sexual assault.
Defense and prosecution will meet on Dec. 9 to discuss a future date for Rackow, 48, Juda, after all discovery is made available to prosecution.
Court records indicate that on Aug. 31, several people attended a pool party in Juda, including the victim and Rackow, who were both drinking. The victim was potentially unconscious when Rackow allegedly entered the home she was staying at and sexually assaulted her. A witness entered the household after milking cows and came upon Rackow on top of the victim. The witness told law enforcement that Rackow got up and dressed very quickly and left at about 9 p.m.
The victim allegedly "blacked out" at about 8:30 p.m. and fell asleep in the living room. Rackow and the rest of the pool party attendees went to a bar in Orangeville at about this time. Rackow left the bar before the rest and sent a text message to his wife saying he was letting the dog out.
After the alleged assault, one of the witnesses at the bar went to Rackow's home where Rackow told the witness he had no sexual contact with the victim.
Four witnesses were called for a preliminary hearing Sept. 12, and though there was conflicting testimony about whether the victim was conscious or not during the alleged assault, it was determined there was probable cause that a sexual assault had occurred.
Rackow remains free on a $5,000 cash bond and a $5,000 signature bond, with the additional conditions that he have no contact with the four individuals who were present the night of the alleged assault.
If convicted for the maximum penalty on both charges, Rackow could face up to $150,000 in fines or 55 years imprisonment or both.
Defense and prosecution will meet on Dec. 9 to discuss a future date for Rackow, 48, Juda, after all discovery is made available to prosecution.
Court records indicate that on Aug. 31, several people attended a pool party in Juda, including the victim and Rackow, who were both drinking. The victim was potentially unconscious when Rackow allegedly entered the home she was staying at and sexually assaulted her. A witness entered the household after milking cows and came upon Rackow on top of the victim. The witness told law enforcement that Rackow got up and dressed very quickly and left at about 9 p.m.
The victim allegedly "blacked out" at about 8:30 p.m. and fell asleep in the living room. Rackow and the rest of the pool party attendees went to a bar in Orangeville at about this time. Rackow left the bar before the rest and sent a text message to his wife saying he was letting the dog out.
After the alleged assault, one of the witnesses at the bar went to Rackow's home where Rackow told the witness he had no sexual contact with the victim.
Four witnesses were called for a preliminary hearing Sept. 12, and though there was conflicting testimony about whether the victim was conscious or not during the alleged assault, it was determined there was probable cause that a sexual assault had occurred.
Rackow remains free on a $5,000 cash bond and a $5,000 signature bond, with the additional conditions that he have no contact with the four individuals who were present the night of the alleged assault.
If convicted for the maximum penalty on both charges, Rackow could face up to $150,000 in fines or 55 years imprisonment or both.