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Jason Wayne Zabel is facing second- and fourth- degree criminal sexual conduct charges that allege he had sexual contact with a person younger than 16, who he has a “significant relationship” with. He faces up to 25 years in prison and a $35,000 fine if convicted on the second-degree charge.
Zabel appeared in court on a summons and was released on his own recognizance with conditions that he have no contact with the alleged victim and that he make all of his future court appearances.
His next appearance was set for Sept. 17.
According to the criminal complaint, a 15-year-old reported to police in February that
Zabel sexually assaulted her sometime in April 2007. She said she was sleeping on a couch while home sick from school and awoke to find Zabel touching her inappropriately over her clothes.
Zabel admitted to police in March that he touched the girl’s breast and thigh over her clothes but knew it was wrong and stopped.
According to court records, Zabel was convicted of third-degree criminal sexual conduct in 1994 in Wabasha. He served 90 days in jail and completed 10 years of supervised probation.
Kevin Behr may be reached at (507) 453-3524 or at kbehr@winonadailynews.com.
