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• Sexual assault case moves ahead

By Jen Cullen

jcullen@republican-eagle.com

ELLSWORTH - A judge has ruled there is enough evidence to move forward in the case against a Hager City man accused of sexually assaulting and secretly videotaping family members.

Wade Swenson, 39, was charged in October with three counts of second-degree sexual assault, four counts of making a visual representation of nudity, sexual assault of a child, sexual exploitation of a child, possession of child pornography and invasion of privacy.

The charges stem from incidents with three women, one of whom prosecutors allege was under age 16 at the time.

That victim - now 18 - testified Dec. 22 she did not have sex with Swenson before she turned 16, though prosecutors said during the preliminary hearing that evidence suggests she did and is now covering for Swenson.

"Clearly she's aligned with the defendant," said Pierce County District Attorney John O'Boyle.

The case's lead investigator and all three alleged victims testified last Tuesday in a packed courtroom. Evidence, including digital video and a letter and photo sent to Swenson in the Pierce County jail, was also introduced.

Judge Robert Duvall set Swenson's bail at $75,000, substantially higher than what Swenson's attorney requested.

Duvall said the high bail amount reflected Swenson's criminal record and his "willingness to leave the area."

Swenson fled the state in December 2008 with his teenage cousin who worked at Red Wing's EconoFoods. Authorities searched for the duo for more than a month. The North Branch, Minn., girl returned home in January in good condition. Swenson was not with her.

"I do feel the incentive to flee is tremendous," Duvall said.

Swenson's arraignment hearing is scheduled for 12:45 p.m. Jan. 22. If convicted on all charges, Swenson faces a maximum of 237 years behind bars and a $650,000 fine.