Former Racine Resident Facing Multiple Child Sex Assault Charges

A former resident of Racine who has lived in Hudson on-and-off over the past several months has been charged with multiple counts of sexual assault of a child under 16 years of age.

Hudson is located on the Wisconsin side of the Mississippi near Minneapolis, MN.

James M. Eckhoff, 49, is wanted by authorities and faces five felony sexual assault of a child charges stemming from multiple encounters with a 14-year-old girl where he lived, according to a criminal complaint filed Jan. 9.

Court records indicate Eckhoff lived in the 1900 block of Mt. Pleasant Street in Racine as recently as 2010 when he plead guilty to a single charge of Operating Under the Influence (first offense).

Now, he faces four felony counts of 2nd degree sexual assault of a child and one felony charge of repeated sexual assault of the same child in St. Croix County. If convicted, Eckhoff faces up to 40 years in prison and/or up to $100,000 in fines for each count; or 200 years and $500,000.

The encounters allegedly occured between October and December of 2012 while the girl's family members were either asleep or away from home, according to the complaint.

A warrant has been issued for Eckhoff's arrest, and the Hudson Police Department issued a press release last month asking for the public's help in locating him when the investigation was underway.

Anyone with information can leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at (888) 636-9330, email:http://racine.crimestoppersweb.com, or text message: RACS to 274637(CRIMES). 

The Hudson Police Department can be reached at (715) 386-4771.