MONROE - James M. Norquay, 49, Monroe, came without legal counsel for a status conference Wednesday before Green County Circuit Court Judge James Beer.
Norquay faces three counts related to sexual assault of a child, all class C felonies. Court records allege that in 2008 and 2009 he repeatedly sexually assaulted a teen foster child whom he later adopted.
The alleged victim, now 18, was placed in Norquay's home by Lafayette County Human Services.
Wisconsin Dept. of Transportation officials have said Norquay, a Wisconsin state patrolman, remains suspended from the force without pay indefinitely - pending an administrative investigation.
Norquay waived the time-limit for a preliminary hearing, and the court rescheduled a status conference for March 16.
"I want to hear at that time that something's been done," Beer said, expressing concern that, given the seriousness of the charges, questions of ineffective counsel could arise later if Norquay defends himself.
Prosecuting attorney Assistant Attorney General Dennis R. Krueger agreed the state would prefer counsel on the other side.
According to Beer, Norquay appears to be ineligible for a public defender or for county legal assistance, based on his income.
Because Norquay receives $1,543 per month in connection with the adoption of two children, which is considered income, he is about "$20 over being indigent," Beer said.
With three people in the home, the income limit to become eligible in the county is under $1,520, said Beer.
The judge also noted that banks would not loan Norquay any money on the value of the home under new federal guidelines.
"Until he retires or is out of office, he can't get money out of deferred compensation, Beer said.
Beer suggested Norquay could try to establish a hardship status.
He also suggested Norquay speak to Green County Corporation Counsel.
Before adjourning, Norquay asked about the location of the alleged victim, stating the he wanted to know her whereabouts so he doesn't violate a condition of his bond to stay away.
Norquay was issued a $100,000 signature bond Feb. 7 and ordered to have no contact with the now 18-year-old alleged victim in the case.
Krueger was reluctant to disclose the location, but did indicate that she was still in the place where she was when the case was pending.
The three counts against Norquay include: Second-degree sexual assault of a child, sexual assault of child by foster parent or treatment foster parent; and incest with a child. Each charge is punishable by a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison on each count.
Norquay faces three counts related to sexual assault of a child, all class C felonies. Court records allege that in 2008 and 2009 he repeatedly sexually assaulted a teen foster child whom he later adopted.
The alleged victim, now 18, was placed in Norquay's home by Lafayette County Human Services.
Wisconsin Dept. of Transportation officials have said Norquay, a Wisconsin state patrolman, remains suspended from the force without pay indefinitely - pending an administrative investigation.
Norquay waived the time-limit for a preliminary hearing, and the court rescheduled a status conference for March 16.
"I want to hear at that time that something's been done," Beer said, expressing concern that, given the seriousness of the charges, questions of ineffective counsel could arise later if Norquay defends himself.
Prosecuting attorney Assistant Attorney General Dennis R. Krueger agreed the state would prefer counsel on the other side.
According to Beer, Norquay appears to be ineligible for a public defender or for county legal assistance, based on his income.
Because Norquay receives $1,543 per month in connection with the adoption of two children, which is considered income, he is about "$20 over being indigent," Beer said.
With three people in the home, the income limit to become eligible in the county is under $1,520, said Beer.
The judge also noted that banks would not loan Norquay any money on the value of the home under new federal guidelines.
"Until he retires or is out of office, he can't get money out of deferred compensation, Beer said.
Beer suggested Norquay could try to establish a hardship status.
He also suggested Norquay speak to Green County Corporation Counsel.
Before adjourning, Norquay asked about the location of the alleged victim, stating the he wanted to know her whereabouts so he doesn't violate a condition of his bond to stay away.
Norquay was issued a $100,000 signature bond Feb. 7 and ordered to have no contact with the now 18-year-old alleged victim in the case.
Krueger was reluctant to disclose the location, but did indicate that she was still in the place where she was when the case was pending.
The three counts against Norquay include: Second-degree sexual assault of a child, sexual assault of child by foster parent or treatment foster parent; and incest with a child. Each charge is punishable by a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison on each count.