Local News

Accused Child Molester May Get Out

Tools

Accused Child Molester May Get Out

By Lauren Leamanczyk

WAUWATOSA - A Wauwatosa neighborhood is bracing for the possible release of an alleged child pornographer and molester. Joseph Hallows, 68, is accused of molesting a 14-year-old girl and having oral sex with a 13-year-old boy. Both alleged incidents happened in the early 1990’s. Police say they also found several pieces of child pornography in Hallows’ home. He was arrested and charged a year ago and has been confined to the Milwaukee County Criminal Justice Facility ever since. Hallows was being held on $250,000 bail. Last week, Judge William Brash reduced that bail to a $105,000 real estate bond and $2,500 cash. Hallows’ attorney, Gerry Boyle, said that is an amount he hopes his client can post. He also said Hallows is no longer a danger because he’s old and in poor health. Neighbors disagree. They were furious about the judge’s decision and fearful for their children. Bob Wendelberger said he feels like the justice system failed his kids, "You would hope that once they catch him they would keep them away from kids and neighborhoods like this," he said. Other neighbors say they doubt Hallows will follow the rules if he’s released. Hallows will be forced to wear a global positioning system and avoid contact with anyone under 18.