Racine man charged with second degree sexual assault of child

RACINE (WITI) -- 44-year-old Edward Ahnen of Racine has been charged with second degree sexual assault of a child under 16 years of age.

The criminal complaint in the case says the girl told officials she was sleeping when Ahnen allegedly put his hands under the blankets and touched and rubbed the girls private area.

When police questioned Ahnen, he admitted he touched the girl over her clothing while she was sleeping -- causing her to wake up and ask what he was doing -- according to the criminal complaint.

The man reportedly told officials he is a sex addict.

The criminal complaint indicates the man told the child's mother what he had done and that he knew it was wrong.

The criminal complaint indicates Ahnen also made a call the Racine County Human Services Department. This call was recorded. After the defendant describes what he was accused of doing he states, “I’ve never done anything like this before. I’ve called and made an appointment with a counselor. I’ve realized that what I did was very wrong, I can’t undo it.”

If convicted, Ahnen faces a maximum of 40 years in prison and/or a maximum of $100,000 in fines.