NEWS RELEASE: Two Eau Claire Men Face Multiple Charges in Ongoing Child Sexual Assault Investigation

NEWS RELEASE: Two Eau Claire Men Face Multiple Charges in Ongoing Child Sexual Assault Investigation

EAU CLAIRE, WI — The Eau Claire Police Department has arrested and charged two men in connection with a deeply disturbing case involving the sexual assault of multiple children over a span of several years. Following a months-long, intensive investigation, James Barbey, 54, and Robert Karstensen, 82, both residents of Eau Claire, were taken into custody and now face multiple felony charges for crimes committed against children in their community.

The investigation began after multiple victims courageously came forward, prompting detectives to launch a thorough inquiry into the alleged offenses. As the investigation progressed, additional victims were identified through detailed interviews and evidence-gathering efforts.

According to police, Barbey and Karstensen were neighbors, and their proximity is believed to have played a role in facilitating the abuse. The charges stem from repeated incidents involving multiple victims, some of whom were under the age of 12 at the time of the assaults. These crimes are alleged to have occurred over the course of several years, creating a devastating pattern of abuse.

Charges Filed

James Barbey, 54, faces the following charges:

•First Degree Sexual Assault of a Child Under Age 13

•First Degree Sexual Assault of a Child Under Age 12 (3 Counts)

•Incest (2 Counts)

•Exposing Genitals or Pubic Area

Robert Karstensen, 82, has been charged with:

•Repeated Sexual Assault of a Child (3 Counts)

•First Degree Sexual Assault of a Child Under Age 12

•First Degree Sexual Assault of a Child Under Age 13

•Child Enticement (3 Counts)

•Exposing a Child to Harmful Material

•Exposing Genitals (2 Counts)

The Eau Claire Police Department is continuing to investigate this case and urges anyone with additional information to step forward. Authorities believe there may be other victims who have not yet been identified.

If you have any relevant information, please contact the Eau Claire Police Department’s non-emergency line at (715) 839-4972.

Support for Victims and the Community

In a statement, the Eau Claire Police Department emphasized its unwavering commitment to the protection of children and the support of survivors of abuse.

“This case represents the kind of trauma and betrayal that no child should ever endure,” the department stated. “We recognize the immense courage it takes for victims and survivors to speak out. To those still suffering in silence, please know you are not alone. Our agency, along with our partners in victim services, will stand beside you every step of the way.”

The department is working closely with local advocacy groups, mental health professionals, and social services to ensure the victims in this case receive comprehensive care, support, and justice.

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Community Response and Ongoing Vigilance

News of the arrests has rocked the Eau Claire community, with many expressing both heartbreak for the victims and outrage at the alleged crimes. Community leaders and residents are now calling for increased efforts in awareness, prevention, and education, particularly when it comes to recognizing and reporting the signs of child abuse.

Local officials urge residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious behavior involving children to the authorities. The safety of the community’s most vulnerable members, they emphasized, is a shared responsibility.

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Moving Forward

As the legal proceedings begin, the focus remains on ensuring the full prosecution of those responsible and the ongoing support of the survivors. The Eau Claire Police Department is expected to release additional updates as more information becomes available.

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse or struggling to speak out, please know that help is available. Coming forward is an act of courage, and you will be believed and supported.

Resources:

•National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

•Wisconsin Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Line: 1-833-763-5437

•Eau Claire County Human Services: (715) 839-2300

Together, through justice, awareness, and compassion, Eau Claire stands with survivors and commits to creating a safer future for every child.