A 41 year-old Siren man has been bound over for trial on charges of attempted second degree sexual assault of a child, child enticement and using a computer to facilitate a child sex crime following his preliminary hearing in Burnett County Circuit Court on Tuesday.

District attorney Bill Norine called Burnett County Sheriff’s detective Ron Wilhelm as the state’s only witness.

Wilhelm testified he had “met” Conrow after he had set up an instant messaging account using the name Alyssa.

An informant introduced ”Alyssa,“ a 14 year-old from Minong, to the defendant on-line.

The informant told Wilhelm the defendant had sent her nude photos of himself. In addition, he had used a webcam and had performed lewd acts for her.

“We spent three and a half hours on the computer,” Wilhelm stated. “First on Yahoo instant messaging, then we switch to Windows Live, then back to Yahoo.”

During their conversation on-line, there was some initial small talk.

Wilhelm testified “Alyssa” told Conrow she was 5’3”, 110 pounds with long blonde hair and described herself as a shy and naive.

Conrow said he liked girls with long blonde hair.

Wilhelm said the discussion then turned sexual in nature, including how a girl can pleasure a man, as well as pleasuring herself.

“He gave me explicit directions,” Wilhelm testified.

Conrow asked if “Alyssa” wanted to “see” him on the web cam. She agreed. Once he was on the web cam, he began to perform lewd acts. The defendant told her not to tell anyone.

Following that, “Alyssa” invited Conrow to Minong because her mom wasn’t going to be home. They set the A&W Restaurant as a meeting place.

On Oct. 22, a Polk County deputy and another blonde, posing as “Alyssa” and Wilhelm’s informant, were waiting inside the A&W for the defendant’s arrival. Washburn County deputies were already in place inside the store.

Conrow parked in the lot and went in. As soon as he was inside, deputies took him into custody.

Among other things, a search of Conrow’s vehicle at the time revealed six condoms.

After initially denying everything, he eventually admitted to Wilhelm he had gone to Minong for the purpose of having sex.

Defense attorney Kate Murtaugh did not cross examine Wilhelm, nor did she call any witnesses of her own.

“Based on the un-rebutted testimony, the state has established probable cause,” Judge Kenneth Kutz ruled.

Arraignment in the case has been set for Jan. 5, 2009.

If convicted of using a computer to facilitate a child sex crime, Conrow could face 40 years in prison, a $100,000 fine, or both. The child enticement count carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison, a $100,000 fine or both while attempted sexual assault of a child under 16 carries a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $50,000 fine or both.

Until his next court appearance, Conrow is free on a $25,000 signature bond and a $2,500 cash bond. Part of the bond stipulation notes Conrow is to have no contact with females under 18 years of age, nor is he allowed use of a computer, cell phone or text message device.