Oconomowoc parent volunteer charged with sexual assault



OCONOMOWOC -- 42-year-old Anthony Pico, a parent volunteer at Summit Elementary School in Oconomowoc, is charged with first degree sexual assault of a child. This, after an incident that allegedly took place in the classroom on Friday, April 20th.

The criminal complaint against Pico says he volunteers in various classrooms each Friday. The complaint says he was in a classroom on the 20th, assisting students.

The alleged victim says "she was reading by herself until 'Mr. Pico picked me.'" The complaint goes on to say the girl was reading a book with Pico when "he began to stroke her leg and then slid his hand up and down her pants and underwear."

That same night, the child told her parents about the alleged incident saying "I'm upset about something that happened today." The girl indicated, "it felt weird and the first time he put his hands down her pants, he smiled and said he was sorry, but she really didn't think he was."

The complaint shows officers questioned Pico about the incident. It says Pico "became flush, appeared to have difficulty swallowing, and he was breathing rapidly." The complaint also indicates Pico changed his story about the alleged incident a couple of times.

The complaint says Pico said "I'm not like that. I don't do that to little kids. I have a daughter." Later, Pico said "I remember rubbing her leg and I probably went too high than I should have, and when I worked my hand back down, I caught her pant leg, and my hand went in." Pico told investigators he felt terrible about everything.

When investigators asked Pico if he had ever done anything like this before, the complaint says "in 1994 or 1995, he was a character at Magic Mountain in California, and he was accused of pulling on a girl's bra straps. He stated he didn't know what happened to the case, but it never went to trial."

FOX6 News stopped by Pico's home Monday, April 30th, but there was no answer at the door.

A letter went home to parents in the Oconomowoc School District. It reads as follows:

"We are sharing information with you concerning an incident involving a parent volunteer at Summit school.  A letter was sent to Summit families this morning.  Additionally, this communication is provided for all district families and staff.  Details of the situation are becoming public through the media.

An Oconomowoc parent volunteer has been charged with inappropriately touching a Summit Elementary School student.  The incident happened at Summit school and we have been working with Oconomowoc police during the past week.  The man was charged on Friday afternoon, April 27.   We are unaware of any other incident involving this parent volunteer.

Please be assured that we continue to do everything possible to create safe environments for your child.  In the event that an unforeseen situation such as this occurs, we act swiftly to ensure the safety of all students. 

Unfortunately, as we strive to communicate with our families, we are also trying to protect the identity of the student as well as the children of the parent volunteer.  We appreciate your understanding of this sensitive issue.

In the midst of this terrible situation, we are also reminded of the importance of discussing sensitive issues with our children and working together to ensure their well being."

If convicted of the charge, Pico faces up to 60 years in prison.

Monitor FOX6 News and FOX6Now.com for updates on this developing story.