John Schwarz appears before Manitowoc County Court via Zoom, October 13, 2023. PC: Fox 11 Online
MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Two sexual assault charges were dismissed Monday against a haunted house owner accused of assaulting teens who worked at his facility.
Three charges, including repeated sexual assault of the same child, remain in place against John Schwarz, 37. Those allegations date back to 2014. A preliminary hearing will be held Nov. 27.
The two counts were dismissed due to the statute of limitations expiring on those offenses. Both were misdemeanors with allegations from 2017 and 2018, but misdemeanors have a three-year statute of limitations, Judge Jerilyn Dietz noted.
A defense request to reduce the $50,000 cash bond was denied Monday.
Schwarz has operated Scare USA in Two Rivers.
During the investigation, it was determined Schwarz had sexual contact with a number of juveniles who volunteered and worked at the haunted house. An assistant district attorney previously said in court Schwarz would tell the victims no one would believe them if they reported the sexual contact.
The haunted house’s website says it is “closed effective immediately due to unforeseen circumstances.” It also says “The well-being and satisfaction of our patrons have always been our top priority, and we deeply apologize for any inconvenience or disappointment this closure may cause.”
Two Rivers police believe there may be more victims or witnesses, and are urging people to come forward by contacting Detective Klumpyan or Detective Lt. Glaser at (920) 686-7200.
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