Alan J. Jepson, a 17-year-old Sheboygan boy, was charged with sexual assault of a child under 16-years.  According to a criminal complaint, the boy was charged for allegedly having sex with the 14-year-old girl.  Charges could be as severe as 25 years in prison.

On Tuesday, the day before the arrest, the girl’s mother reported the girl as a runaway, and told police she suspected she had sought refuge at Jepson’s residence.  Additionally, the mother told police the girl may be pregnant.  Jepson was arrested in his home that day, and the girl was found at the house.

According to an account in the complaint, Jepson claims he had known the girl for 3 months, and had had intercourse with her 2 or 3 times. 

Under Wisconsin law, any suspect, no matter the crime, is charged as an adult if they are 17 years of age or older.  Apparently, the girl had lied and told police, and also Jepson, that she was 16 years old.

Sexual assault is a serious offense and needs to be addressed and handled appropriately.  If you, or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, please contact your sexual assault attorney at 800-242-2874.