Employee accused of illegally entering hotel room

Richard E. Kumber, 53, Manawa, is charged with second-degree sexual assault and burglary.

On Thursday, Aug. 18, Manawa police were dispatched to the Manawa Motel in response to a sexual assault complaint.

According to the criminal complaint, a woman said she woke up the previous night and felt a man on top of her, holding her down by her shoulders.

She tried unsuccessfully to fight him off and injured her hand during the struggle.

That night, she went to ThedaCare in Appleton for a rape kit exam.

The woman told police she recognized the man as Kumber. She said he worked at the motel and had entered her room using a key.

The following morning, as she was walking her dog, Kumber approached her and said he would return to her room at 9 p.m., the complaint says. He reportedly threatened to hurt her dog if she was not there.

She told police she was so terrified that she rented a room at another motel, despite having limited housing options.

When questioned by police, Kumber denied entering the room. He reportedly said he helps the owner with maintenance and has keys to all the rooms.

Kumber was released from custody after posting a $10,000 cash bond.

He faces up to 40 years in prison if convicted of second-degree sexual assault.

On Jan. 16, 2018, Kumber was convicted of fourth-degree sexual assault, placed on one year of probation and ordered to pay $1,088 in restitution and court costs.