10 hours ago
Police: Two men arrested for sexually abusing children
EAU CLAIRE — Authorities say two men have been charged after what is described as a 'months long investigation' into child sexual abuse.
James Barbey, 54, and Robert Karstensen, 82, both of Eau Claire, were taken into custody after investigators spoke with multiple victims. Police say the men were neighbors.
Barbey faces charges of first degree sexual assault of a child under age 13, three counts of first degree sexual assault of a child under age 12, two counts of incest, and one count of exposing his genitals or pubic area.
The court set a $250,000 cash bond for Barbey during an initial appearance Wednesday.
Karstensen faces charges of first degree sexual assault of a child under age 13, first degree sexual assault of a child under age 12 three counts of repeated sexual assault of a child, three counts of child enticement, exposing a child to harmful materials and two counts of exposing his genitals.
The court set a $1 million cash bond for Karstensen.
Both men face multiple Class B felony counts, each of which carries the potential for up to 60 years in prison. Neither appears to have previously faced criminal charges in Wisconsin. They are next due in court July 8.
Police say the investigation is continuing and that anyone with additional information is asked to contact the department at 715-839-4972.
