DA’s office had requested $100,000 bond; judge said amount was “excessive”, “punitive”

By Brandi Makuski

A former Plover doctor charged with 10 counts of sexual assault has been released on $25,000 bond.

Dr. Wilton C. Calderon, of Lyme, Conn., is charged with four counts of third-degree sexual assault and six counts of fourth-degree sexual assault, though Plover police say they expect more charges will be filed after additional women came forward alleging they were also victims.

Calderon did not speak during his appearance in Portage Co. Circuit Court on Monday, nor did he or his lawyer offer any comments after leaving the courtroom.

Calderon was formally charged in late Dec. after an eight-month investigation, which was sparked by an anonymous tip to the Plover Police Department.

Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Constable said the seriousness of the charges, along with his lack of ties to the community and likelihood of incarceration if Calderon is convicted, demanded a high bail amount and requested a $100,000 cash bond.

Judge Robert Shannon said he believed Calderon took the charges seriously and was likely to appear at future court dates, noting he had boarded a train of “his own free will” to appear in court.

“There is a point at which bail becomes excessive and punitive,” Shannon said. “There is some level at which bail is reasonable and appropriate, and that line is to be drawn by the level of the offense. These are substantial offenses, they are significant in their nature and their number and substantial cash bond is appropriate.”

Victims and their families who were in court on Monday wept softly as Shannon announced a lower bond than requested. As part of his bond, Calderon is also prohibited from having contact with the victims and employees of Plover Family Practice, or practicing medicine in the area. He must also turn over his passport to the Portage Co. Sheriff’s Office.

Calderon, 45, had unwanted sexual contact with at least seven female patients, also allegedly exchanging opiate medication in exchange for sexual contact from one of the patients, while employed as a physician at Plover Family Practice, according to Plover Det. Brian Noel.

According to Plover police, Calderon allegedly positioned himself close to patients so they were touching his genitals during exams, and that he also allegedly fondled patients in an inappropriate manner.

The investigation was held jointly with the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).

For each of the third-degree sexual assault charges, Calderon faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine. The fourth-degree sexual assault carries a maximum of a nine-month jail sentence $10,000 fine each.

According to court records, Calderon was accused of similar behavior by two patients in 2009 and 2010, but charges were not requested in either case. Calderon’s license to practice medicine in Wisconsin was suspended late last year.

Plover police continue to request anyone with additional information on Calderon contact Detective Noel at (715) 345-5255 extension 189.

Calderon returns to court March 7.