Colfax man charged with two felony counts related to child sexual assault

By LeAnn R. Ralph

MENOMONIE  —  A 42-year-old Colfax man has been charged with two felonies related to the alleged first-degree sexual assault of a girl under the age of 12.

Jobert L. Molde made an initial appearance in Dunn County Circuit Court January 31 with his attorney, Christopher R. Bub.

Judge Rod Smeltzer set a cash bail of $10,000 on January 24 and ordered Molde to have no contact with anyone under the age of 18 unless an adult is supervising.

According to the criminal complaint, the alleged victim told investigators that Molde had sexual intercourse with her. Investigators believe the alleged assault would have happened between January of 2011 and January of 2012.

During a January 31 court hearing, Molde requested a speedy preliminary hearing in the case.

According to the criminal complaint, the Dunn County district attorney’s office will be seeking to place Molde, if convicted, on lifetime supervision as a serious sex offender regarding either of the two felony counts. 

Count 1 of the criminal complaint is a Class B felony and carries a penalty of a prison sentence of up to 60 years. 

The district attorney also is seeking to invoke the provisions of Wisconsin state statute 939.616(1r) and (3) to have the court impose a bifurcated sentence that will be at least 25 years.

Count 2 is a Class C felony, which carries a penalty, upon conviction, of fine of up to $100,000 and/or a prison sentence of up to 40 years. 

A preliminary hearing is scheduled in Dunn County February 10 before Judge James Peterson.