DARLINGTON - The Darlington Police Department released more information Tuesday regarding the charges against a 37-year-old Indiana man arrested for sexual assault and strangulation at Festival Grounds Park in Darlington.
Richard E. Dewitt, Fort Wayne, was formally charged Monday by the Lafayette County District Attorney. Dewitt faces felony charges of second-degree sexual assault, strangulation and false imprisonment, and faces a misdemeanor charge of battery.
The victim in the case was a 43-year-old female from Wausau and was a co-worker of Dewitt. Both individuals were employed by a traveling carnival group in town for the Canoe Festival.
Dewitt allegedly entered the victim's sleeping quarters at about 2:30 a.m. Friday and struck and strangled the victim in an attempt to have sexual relations with her. A witness came to the victim's aid and ended the assault. The victim was later transported by private vehicle to Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County where she was treated and released.
Dewitt was arrested at 1:45 p.m. Friday.
-Times staff
Richard E. Dewitt, Fort Wayne, was formally charged Monday by the Lafayette County District Attorney. Dewitt faces felony charges of second-degree sexual assault, strangulation and false imprisonment, and faces a misdemeanor charge of battery.
The victim in the case was a 43-year-old female from Wausau and was a co-worker of Dewitt. Both individuals were employed by a traveling carnival group in town for the Canoe Festival.
Dewitt allegedly entered the victim's sleeping quarters at about 2:30 a.m. Friday and struck and strangled the victim in an attempt to have sexual relations with her. A witness came to the victim's aid and ended the assault. The victim was later transported by private vehicle to Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County where she was treated and released.
Dewitt was arrested at 1:45 p.m. Friday.
-Times staff