By Leila Merrill
FireRescue1/EMS1
ANTIGO, Wis. — An Antigo firefighter-paramedic is facing sexual assault and misconduct charges and has been placed on unpaid leave, WSAW reported this week.
John Krueger is accused of inappropriately touching two children taking part in the Antigo Fire Department Cadet Program, which he created.
Krueger appeared Tuesday in Langlade County Circuit Court via video from the Lincoln County Jail. The five counts against him include sexual assault of a child by a person who works or volunteers with children, fourth-degree sexual assault and misconduct in public office. Krueger was arrested on Jan. 12.
According to the criminal complaint, when he was questioned by an investigator with the Langlade County Sheriff’s Office, Krueger initially said, “no, that would never happen.” Krueger then said, “there’s a possibility’’ he inappropriately touched a child. Then Krueger admitted to the touching but “did not think anything he did was ‘over the line.’”
Judge John Rhode set Krueger’s bond at $1,000. Krueger is not to have contact with the Antigo Fire Department unless law enforcement officers are present.