MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A haunted house owner charged with sexually assaulting teens who worked at his facility is competent to stand trial, a judge ruled Friday.
John Schwarz, 38, faces four counts, including repeated sexual assault of the same child for allegations dating back to 2014. Schwarz has operated Scare USA in Two Rivers.
The competency ruling means he understands the proceedings and can assist in his own defense. Trial is scheduled for Oct. 15.
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.
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