Riverside Fire Department Chief Officially Charged with an Incident Related to Child Enticement

Friday, May 17th, 2024 -- 4:00 PM

(Mike Leischner, WSAU and WAOW) Riverside Fire Department Chief Robert Bowen remains in jail on a $15,000 cash bond after making an initial appearance for felony charges related to child enticement, according to Mike Leischner with WSAU.

WAOW TV reports that Bowen appeared in front of Judge Rick Cveykus on Thursday and was formally charged. Details of the criminal complaint have also been released, claiming Bowen made inappropriate sexual advances and contact with a child under the age of 18 in the last year.

Specifically, the alleged incidents occurred between June 2023 and May 2024. Prosecutors had argued for a $250,000 bond given the seriousness of the charges. Bowen’s defense requested a lower amount given his lack of prior convictions.

Conditions of his bond include no contact with the victim or any child under the age of 18. Bowen returns to court on May 30th. Bowen was placed on paid administrative leave by the Riverside Fire Department, which covers both Schofield and Rothschild. No interim Chief has been named.

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