Former La Crosse city council candidate released after bond is reduced in child sexual assault case

A former La Crosse city council candidate has bonded out of jail, while he awaits trial on charges of sexually assaulting children.

Chauncy Turner’s bond was lowered from $10,000 cash to $500 during a pre-trial hearing Wednesday.

The 31-year-old faces two felony counts of sexually assaulting children under the age of 13. Prosecutors believe multiple children have been victims.

Turner also faces a count of invading privacy with a surveillance device.

The criminal complaint said Turner recorded children in a bathroom/shower using his cellphone. Videos were found, after a search warrant showing him setting up the camera.

La Crosse County circuit court Judge Elliott Levine found probable cause to schedule a trial in the case.

Turner could violate his bond if he has contact with anyone under 18. He is expected to live with a relative in Sparta before his trial takes place in La Crosse County court.

Turner ran and lost an April 2021 election for city council in District 13.