Markham Case Moves Forward

By Nikki Younk
Daily News
February 21, 2012

http://www.ironmountaindailynews.com/page/content.detail/id/533216.html


The criminal case against a Niagara, Wis. man accused of sexual assault and battery is moving forward.

According to the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access website, Harold Markham was arraigned in Marinette County Court on Monday. His next scheduled court appearance is a status conference on March 30.

Markham, 46, faces one felony count of repeated sexual assault of a child, one misdemeanor count of battery, and one misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct.

If convicted on all counts, he could spend up to 41 years in prison.

The criminal complaint in the case alleges that Markham had sexual contact with a 14-year-old female multiple times between July 2007 and September 2007 in Niagara. In addition, the complaint alleges that Markham had an argument with the same female in August 2011 in Niagara. The victim claimed that Markham tried to stop her from leaving a residence, then proceeded to push her down and grab her throat.

Markham, who goes by the first name Mark, had been a pastor at the Norway Baptist Church for several years. Due to the criminal allegations against him, Markham was put on extended leave. He later resigned.

Nikki Younk's e-mail address is nyounk@ironmountaindailynews.com