DA plans to drop charges of child sex assault against Rosholt man, now deceased

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By Brandi Makuski

STEVENS POINT — Charges of repeat child sex assault are expected to be dropped following the defendant’s death.

John Kosmalski, 32 of Rosholt, had been free on a $50,000 cash bond since Sept. 21. He faced five counts related to sexual assault against a child, who, according to the criminal complaint, was 10 years old when the abuse began.

Kosmalski reportedly admitted to the alleged assaults when he turned himself in at the sheriff’s office, the complaint said.

John Kosmalski died on Sept. 21, two days before his initial appearance was scheduled. His cause of death was not immediately disclosed.

Portage Co. District Attorney Cass Cousins said his office plans to dismiss the charges once he receives a copy of the death certificate.

“When one of the parties to a legal action dies, dismissal is required by law,” Cousins said. “That is why we dismiss a case in this situation, and it should not be taken as a reflection of any of the merits of the prosecution.”