Escanaba Sexual Assault Case

An Escanaba man is waiting for a circuit court appearance after being charged with criminal sexual conduct.

34-year-old John Balzen was scheduled to have a preliminary exam on the charge today.

But he waived his right to have that.

His next court date hasn’t been scheduled yet.

Balzen is accused of 2 counts of 2nd-degree CSC involving a girl under the age of 13.

Public Safety says they arrested him on New Year’s Day.

He was arraigned in District Court on Monday.

Balzen is being held in the Delta County Jail on $25,000 bond.

If he’s convicted, he could go to prison for up to 15 years.