Former Sheboygan mayor Bob Ryan charged with sexual assault



SHEBOYGAN -- Former Sheboygan mayor Bob Ryan has been charged with two counts of fourth-degree sexual assault for allegedly groping a woman in a bar on July 23, 2011. Ryan admitted to being at Siebkens Resort in Elkhart Lake, but denies ever touching the alleged victim.

The woman says she was at Siebkens Resort in Elkhart Lake with her male friend when she felt two hands from behind her, touch her stomach and then grope her breasts over her clothing. The criminal complaint says the woman told the man behind her, to keep his hands off her, but a few minutes later, the same man again squeezed her breasts while behind her.

According to the criminal complaint, a bartender says the group Ryan was with apologized for their friend and left with him. Before leaving the woman's friend alleged Ryan said he could do what he wanted because of who he was.

When confronted by police, Ryan admitted to being at Siebkens Resort on July 23rd. He denied the sexual assault allegations against him. Ryan told investigators he had had a drink earlier that day, explaining that "after that initial drink, the switch got turned on, and he was rolling."

One of the Siebkens Resort co-owners denied FOX6 News' request for an interview Monday, but did say the resort is ready to move on. Neighbors say the community is ready to move forward as well. "It's not Elkhart Lake's reputation that's being tarnished here. It's Bob's. If that's how he acts in public, he's going to have to live with that," one neighbor said.

FOX6 News attempted to reach Ryan Monday, but calls went unreturned.

If Ryan is found guilty of both fourth-degree sexual assault charges, he could be imprisoned for up to 18 months, and be forced to pay up to $20,000 in fines.

Ryan was forced out of office through a mayoral recall election. Terry Van Akkeren defeated Ryan and is serving as Sheboygan's mayor.

Read the full criminal complaint by clicking here. WARNING - Some of the document's content is graphic, and may not be suitable for some viewers.

CLICK HERE for more stories on former Sheboygan Mayor Bob Ryan via FOX6Now.com.