Holscher Pleads Guilty To Sexual Assault

The former civilian victim services coordinator for the Casper Police Department pleaded guilty on Thursday to charges of sexual assault and exploitation of an elderly person.

James R. Holscher, 47, entered the guilty pleas to one count of second-degree sexual assault and one count of exploitation of a vulnerable adult during his arraignment before Natrona County District Court Judge Daniel Forgey.

Assistant District Attorney Mike Schafer and Holscher's defense attorney Cole Sherard recommended a sentence of not less than three and not more than 10 years in prison plus restitution to the victim.

During his plea, answering questions from Sherard, Holscher said he sexually assaulted a woman recuperating from hip surgery at the Garden Square assisted living center.

Schafer said the woman was a vulnerable adult with a learning disability, depression and on medication.

Forgey accepted the plea agreement and said he would order a presentence investigation and a hearing for a sentencing date.

After the arraignment, Schafer said the amount of restitution would be determined during the presentence investigation

A despondent Holscher declined to comment before getting in a car and leaving the Townsend Justice Center.

He remains free on $10,000 bond.

On June 26, a Casper police officer responded to a call from a woman at Garden Square, 1950 S. Beverly St., regarding a sexual assault by Holscher on June 13, according to court documents.

Because Holscher was a civilian employee of the City of Casper in the police department, the case was turned over to the sheriff’s office.

Sheriff's deputies arrested him on Nov. 21.

Casper Police Chief Jim Wetzel said Holscher was terminated from the police department in July.

After Holscher’s arrest, Wetzel said the allegations were “beyond disgraceful.”