MONROE — A Shullsburg man and the owner of a Gratiot tavern has been charged with two felony counts of sexual assault, following an investigation by the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office.

William M. Bearer, 58, was arrested following the execution of a search warrant on his home on Feb. 8. The alleged acts against two victims allegedly happened last December.

“The original complaint came in from a family member (about) two vulnerable adults,” said Sheriff Reg Gill.

As a result, Bearer is charged with 2nd degree sexual assault/mentally ill victim, 3rd degree sexual assault, and misdemeanor marijuana and drug paraphernalia possession. The drug charge was not in the original complaint but was generated by the ensuing search, he said.

If convicted of the most serious charge, 2nd degree sexual assault, Bearer would face a maximum penalty of up to 40 years in state prison.

Bearer is the owner of Outsiders bar in Gratiot. He is scheduled for an initial appearance on the charges at 1 p.m. April 29 in Lafayette County Circuit Court.