Three charged for exploiting “vulnerable’ young woman

Three persons, including the parents of the alleged victim, have been charged with sexually exploiting a cognitively challenged young woman.

Charged were Robert John Gappa, 57, of 23118 N. Main St., Ettrick, his wife Rosemary Marie Gappa, 53, of the same address and Terry Alan Loewenhagen, 59, of N39787 W. 36th Lane, Independence.

Robert Gappa faces felony counts of child sexual exploitation, second-degree sexual assault of a child, being a party to a crime, incest and causing a child 13 to 18 to view sexual activity. Rosemary Gappa is charged with felony second-degree sexual assault of a mentally ill victim, child enticement and exposure and causing a child 13 to 18 to view sexual activity. Loewenhagen is charged with second-degree sexual assault of a mentally ill victim, possession of child pornography, causing a child 13 to 18 to view sexual activity and exposing a child to harmful material.

Robert and Rosemary Gappa were in Trempealeau County jail Monday in lieu of $50,000 cash bond each. Bond for Loewenhagen was set at $75,000 and he too was in jail as of Monday.

Sheriff’s deputies were called to the Gappa home following concerns about a “vulnerable” person and reports from a social worker that “provocative” pictures were on the young woman’s phone, according to the criminal complaint. The young woman was described as suffering from “a mental deficiency which renders her incapable of appraising her conduct,” according to the criminal complaint.

On Oct. 24, Sheriff’s Investigator Erica Koxlien interviewed Rosemary Gappa who told Koxlien that Robert Gappa would “coordinate and schedule sexual encounters” with the young woman at the Gappas’ home, court documents say. Rosemary Gappa said about 10 encounters occurred, including one when the young woman was under the age of 18, according to the criminal complaint.

Rosemary Gappa told Koxlien that Robert Gappa arranged encounters with Rosemary and, frequently, with Loewenhagen, court documents allege. Koxlien also found images of the young woman on Loewenhagen’s phone. 

Koxlien noted that the young woman discussed school and other children’s activities. In one text message with Loewenhagen, she requested stuffed animals for her birthday, according to court records.