NW Wis. Man Charged With Sexually, Physically Abusing Boy For 2 Years
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A Northwestern Wisconsin volunteer fire fighter is being accused of child abuse and sexual assault, according to criminal charges.
Virgil A. Hansen, 65, has been charged with sexual assault and exploitation, physical abuse, trafficking and prostitution and enticement of a child. The criminal complaint states Hansen is accused of abusing a boy for two years beginning when he was 13.
According to the complaint, the boy told Polk County investigators that the abuse began when he was working for Hansen doing odd chores around his property.
Hansen asked the boy to stay over one night, and in the morning the boy reported Hansen tied him to the bed, stripped him and blindfolded him.
According to the complaint, Hansen would use zip ties, twine and belts to tie him down. He said Hansen took pictures.
The boy also reported being hung by his feet from the ceiling in Hansen's garage.
The complaint states the boy said Hansen would often touch him inappropriately while he was tied down, take pictures of him and sometimes give him alcohol to the point where he would pass out.
The boy estimated these assaults occurred over 100 times. Each time he was bribed by Hansen with money.
Hansen admitted to tying the boy up a number of times, but denied sexually assaulting him. He said in the complaint he touched the boy by accident a few times, but it was never for sexual gratification.
Hansen, who is a member of the Milltown Volunteer Fire Department, said he thought it was "a mutual game they were playing" and he was only trying to be a friend to the boy since he was struggling at school and at home.
According to WQOW, Hansen is due in court on November 23.
