MONROE - A Wisconsin state trooper who lives in Green County has been charged with repeatedly sexually assaulting a foster child in his care whom he later adopted, according to a criminal complaint filed against him Friday by the Wisconsin Department of Justice.
James M. Norquay, 48, who lives in the Town of Clarno, allegedly began sexually assaulting the teen after she was initially placed in his home on Nov. 6, 2008 by Lafayette County Human Services, according to the complaint.
Shortly after that placement, things got "weird" between the foster father in the home and the victim, the complaint says. The acts of sexual abuse began as the defendant gave her rides in his truck to and from church, outings and other activities, it says.
The victim, who is now 18, turned 16 in 2009.
The alleged abuse included intercourse and other sexual acts, according to the complaint, which charged Norquay with three counts of felony sexual assault against a child.
On Nov. 17, 2009, Norquay and his wife adopted the victim and the abuse allegedly continued - both in the suspect's truck and at home - when the defendant's wife was away.
"(The) victim stated that the defendant made her feel guilty afterwards and said things to her, including that if she told anyone it would tear apart their family, he would lose his job and that he wanted a normal father/daughter relationship with her," the complaint says.
The alleged victim told investigators there was "turmoil in the home" and that, even after being taken out of the home briefly for "respite care," when she returned the assaults would resume. The complaint says these incidents occurred between the victim and defendant just prior to her leaving on a trip with a church youth group, on Christmas Day, 2009, and after a family birthday party.
The child was finally removed from the suspect's home on Jan. 2, 2010.
The complaint also states that the alleged victim "has been a past victim of sexual assault as a child and had made a false allegation of sexual assault against an adult male while under the supervision of Lafayette County Human Services."
No additional information on those earlier allegations was provided by officials Friday. State Assistant Attorney General Dennis R. Krueger is acting as special prosecutor for Green County in the case.
According to Green County Sheriff Jeff Skatrud, Green County officers conducted much of the investigation in the case. But it was later referred to the Wisconsin Department of Justice, due to potential conflict of interest, according to the Green County District Attorney's Office.
A spokesman for Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen's office referred calls about Norquay's status as a sworn police officer to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. A DOT spokeswoman said Norquay had been suspended from the state patrol "without pay, until further notice."
Norquay was not in custody Friday night, law enforcement officials said, but a complaint against him had been served.
He is scheduled to appear in Green County Circuit Court at 1:15 p.m. Monday for a preliminary hearing on the charges, according to county officials.
If convicted, each charge against Norquay carries a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison and a $100,000 fine.
James M. Norquay, 48, who lives in the Town of Clarno, allegedly began sexually assaulting the teen after she was initially placed in his home on Nov. 6, 2008 by Lafayette County Human Services, according to the complaint.
Shortly after that placement, things got "weird" between the foster father in the home and the victim, the complaint says. The acts of sexual abuse began as the defendant gave her rides in his truck to and from church, outings and other activities, it says.
The victim, who is now 18, turned 16 in 2009.
The alleged abuse included intercourse and other sexual acts, according to the complaint, which charged Norquay with three counts of felony sexual assault against a child.
On Nov. 17, 2009, Norquay and his wife adopted the victim and the abuse allegedly continued - both in the suspect's truck and at home - when the defendant's wife was away.
"(The) victim stated that the defendant made her feel guilty afterwards and said things to her, including that if she told anyone it would tear apart their family, he would lose his job and that he wanted a normal father/daughter relationship with her," the complaint says.
The alleged victim told investigators there was "turmoil in the home" and that, even after being taken out of the home briefly for "respite care," when she returned the assaults would resume. The complaint says these incidents occurred between the victim and defendant just prior to her leaving on a trip with a church youth group, on Christmas Day, 2009, and after a family birthday party.
The child was finally removed from the suspect's home on Jan. 2, 2010.
The complaint also states that the alleged victim "has been a past victim of sexual assault as a child and had made a false allegation of sexual assault against an adult male while under the supervision of Lafayette County Human Services."
No additional information on those earlier allegations was provided by officials Friday. State Assistant Attorney General Dennis R. Krueger is acting as special prosecutor for Green County in the case.
According to Green County Sheriff Jeff Skatrud, Green County officers conducted much of the investigation in the case. But it was later referred to the Wisconsin Department of Justice, due to potential conflict of interest, according to the Green County District Attorney's Office.
A spokesman for Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen's office referred calls about Norquay's status as a sworn police officer to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. A DOT spokeswoman said Norquay had been suspended from the state patrol "without pay, until further notice."
Norquay was not in custody Friday night, law enforcement officials said, but a complaint against him had been served.
He is scheduled to appear in Green County Circuit Court at 1:15 p.m. Monday for a preliminary hearing on the charges, according to county officials.
If convicted, each charge against Norquay carries a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison and a $100,000 fine.