Crandon man pleads not guilty following horrific sexual abuse allegations

CRANDON, Wis. (WSAW) -- A 33-year-old Crandon man accused of inflicting horrific physical and sexual abuse to children has pleaded not guilty and will head to trial.

Matthew Christenson's most serious allegations included impregnating a sixth grader. The alleged victim said when Christenson learned of the pregnancy, he took actions to abort the pregnancy.

He's also accused of locking one of the children in a tiny closet for a weekend, only providing a potato for food. Court documents also state he struck a child with a crescent wrench.

An eight-page criminal complaint alleges abuse occurred during a seven-year span to five children.

He was originally charged with two counts of second-degree sexual assault of a child and second-degree sexual assault of an unconscious victim. However, 11 more counts were filed April 19 after investigators learned there were four more sexual assault victims and one alleged victim of physical abuse.

Christenson remains in custody on $75,000 cash bond.

Christenson has been ordered to have no contact with anyone; especially women under the age of 18.

A future court date has not yet been set.