Man Accused of Sexually Assaulting Child Pleads Not Guilty

Zachary Franck spoke only briefly Monday in response to Court Commissioner Thomas J. Pieper's questions. However, the 20-year-old from Mukwonago and his attorney, Daniel Fay, were in court long enough to waive Franck's preliminary hearing, and to enter a not guilty plea for second-degree sexual assault of a child.

Franck was initially charged after the parent of a 12-year-old girl from Muskego saw him drive off from their neighborhood with the girl in the vehicle. Reports say Muskego police interviewed Franck, who eventually admitted to fondling the girl over repeated encounters. He also told police he was led to believe the girl was a 16-year-old sophomore.

The girl had met Franck through Facebook, which is also what led Muskego police to Franck, according to reports.

Although a cash bond of $7,500 was set, Fay told the court that Franck was prepared to go into custody, making the amount "a moot point."

He faces up to $10,000 in fines and 15 years in prison if convicted. Franck's next court date is Feb. 12.