Athens Man Accused of Sexually Assaulting Girlfriend’s Child

Monday, February 10th, 2025 -- 1:01 PM

(Mike Leischner, WSAU) An Athens man has been accused of sexually assaulting his girlfriend’s child, according to the Colby-Abbotsford Police Department.

According to Mike Leischner with WSAU, Erick Antonio Ruiz Cortez is accused of repeated sexual assault of the same child, physical abuse of a child, and exposing himself to a child.

Investigators say he was sexually assaulting the victim while their mother wasn’t home, then threatening them to keep quiet about the incidents. Another student informed authorities of the situation in mid-January, which led to the investigation.

The victim was interviewed by law enforcement and child advocacy teams before police took Ruiz Cortez for questioning this week, leading to his arrest. He appeared in court on Wednesday where a judge set his bond at $100,000.

Additionally, the 37-year-old is being held on an Immigrations and Customs Enforcement hold, meaning he can be held beyond his release date while ICE investigates his status.

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