18-year-old La Crosse man accused of sexual assaulting 12-year-old boy

An La Crosse man could face 60 years in prison if he’s found guilty of sexually assaulting an underage boy at a relative’s house. 

Courtlandt Canady is accused of touching the private parts of a 12-year-old boy, while the victim was sleeping on a couch early Sunday.

The 18-year-old Canady said he had been drinking beer and Jack Daniel’s.

Canady told police he committed a similar assault when he was a juvenile and is afraid he’ll go to prison for this new charge.

Prosecutor Jessica Skemp said Canady reaffirmed this in court Monday.

“He has had prior juvenile referrals which do include prior child sexual assault allegations,” Skemp said.

A cash bond of $2,500 has been set for Canady.

Defense attorney Rachel Krueger said the victim’s family wants Canady to get help.

“Even the alleged victim’s mother is supportive of his being released with some restrictive conditions,” Krueger told the court.

The district attorney wanted a $10,000 bond because Canday could be a risk to public safety.

Canday has another court hearing next week.