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Onalaska Man Charged with Child Molestation

The Chronicle - 3/2/2019

March 01-- Mar. 1--An Onalaska man was charged with three counts of first-degree child molestation after he was accused of sexually touching a girl numerous times over the span of a few years.

Josiah C. O. Romines, 20, is being held at the Lewis County Jail on $10,000 bail.

According to a probable cause affidavit, in May 2018, a girl reported that Romines molested her when she was between the ages of 5 and 8. She said there was a span when he would sexually touch her between three and four times a week.

Sometimes, she said, he would have her touch him.

The last time was in March 2014.

A warrant was issued for his arrest on Wednesday, and he was taken into custody that same day. Defense attorney Rachael Tiller said he contacted authorities as soon as he learned of the warrant.

During a preliminary hearing in Lewis County Superior Court Thursday afternoon, deputy prosecuting attorney Silvia Irimescu asked for $50,000 bail -- the same amount attached to the warrant for his arrest.

Tiller argued that Romines has only limited juvenile history, and got in touch with authorities once he learned there was a warrant for his arrest and was cooperative. She argued for $10,000 bail.

Judge James Lawler opted for the $10,000 bail, and ordered Romines to not have contact with the victim or her family.

He has an arraignment hearing on March 7.

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