Posted Monday, October 13, 2008 --- 4:35 p.m.

Press Release from the Attorney General's Office:

MADISON - Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen announced that on Monday October 13, 2008, attorneys for the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ), acting as special prosecutors for Lafayette County, filed a criminal complaint in Lafayette County Circuit Court against Todd M. Strang of Shullsburg, Wisconsin, alleging 2 counts of having sexual intercourse with a high school student over the age of 16 while he was employed as a teacher at that same high school. The allegations are felony charges that carry a maximum penalty of fines of $10,000 and 10 years imprisonment for each count.

The charges are the result of an investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Justice's Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI). “Investigation and prosecution of cases involving those who prey on children are a high priority of the Department of Justice and we will continue to assist local law enforcement and prosecutors in child maltreatment investigations,” Van Hollen said. Individuals with information about alleged child maltreatment in Lafayette County are encouraged to contact the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department Individuals with information about this case can contact agent Lourdes Fernandez of DCI at 608-266-1671.

Strang’s initial appearance was held Monday, October 13, 2008. He was released on a $10,000 signature bond with conditions that he have no unsupervised contact with children and that he not attempt to engage in an occupation or participate in volunteer activities that place him in direct contact with children under 18 years of age. The matter is set for a scheduling conference on December 16, 2008 in Lafayette County

The criminal complaint alleges that Todd M. Strang was a teacher at a high school in Lafayette County in 2000 and 2001 and engaged in sexual intercourse at his residence with a student who was attending the high school while Strang was employed as a teacher at the school. The incidents occurred while the student was a junior and senior at the high school. A criminal complaint is a document alleging violation of the criminal law and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Assistant Attorney General Dennis R. Krueger is representing the state.