Scare USA Owner Convicted of Sexual Assault

John Schwarz Jr., the 38-year-old owner of Scare USA, a haunted house in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, pleaded no contest to three felony charges related to sexually assaulting underage employees over a span of ten years. The charges included having sexual intercourse with a child under 19, fourth-degree sexual assault, and causing mental harm to a child, while a fourth charge was dismissed. A victim testified that he has been deeply traumatized, stating he became a 'shell of his former self' due to the assaults and the court process. The prosecution and defense have recommended a sentence of five years of probation, with sentencing scheduled for Wednesday. The haunted house's website now lists it as closed due to 'unforeseen circumstances.' Schwarz is also reported to have discouraged victims from reporting the abuse, claiming no one would believe them.