Republican Congressman Tony Wied will be special guest at fundraiser for Assemblyman Shae Sortwell, who once said the Bible commands him to beat his child 

Wisconsin Congressman Tony Wied is a special guest for a fundraiser next month for Wisconsin Assemblyman Shae Sortwell, an alleged child abuser who once said the Bible commanded him to strike his child with objects. 

Sortwell is holding a 41st birthday fundraiser on July 27 near Green Bay as he seeks reelection. Wied, who is also seeking reelection, is scheduled to be the special guest. Guests are expected to make donations of $250 to $1000. 

Sortwell came under investigation in 2013 in connection with a potential felony child abuse case after a family member reported bruising on his child’s body to police.

According to Green Bay Police Department records cited by The Green Bay Press-Gazette, the investigation began in January 2013 after a relative discovered five bruises, each approximately four inches long, on the child while bathing them. The family member then took the child to a hospital for evaluation.

During questioning, Sortwell told investigators that the Bible was “very specific” about corporal punishment. Police reported that he loosely referenced a verse from Proverbs, stating, “Whoever spares the rod hates their child.” He said that he and his wife administered corporal punishment by striking the child twice whenever they were “being defiant.” Sortwell explained that they used an object rather than their hands because “hands are for loving.” He also denied that the punishment was administered in anger, describing the discipline as an act of love intended for “teaching what needs to be taught.”

Sortwell told investigators that after disciplining the child, he would not check for injuries. Instead, he and his wife would hug the child and give them a Rice Krispies treat.

The investigation lasted four days and involved multiple professionals. According to the Press-Gazette, it included “four police officers, two social workers, a child forensic officer — a trained agent who interviews child victims of physical and sexual abuse — a child advocacy staff member and a nurse practitioner.”

Following the investigation, police recommended pursuing a felony child abuse charge against Sortwell and a felony charge against his wife for failing to prevent bodily harm. Each charge carried a potential penalty of up to six years in prison.

However, Deputy District Attorney Dana J. Johnson ultimately declined to file charges. Johnson informed investigators that prosecutors were not confident they could prove Sortwell’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The investigation took place before Sortwell’s election to the Wisconsin State Assembly. At the time, he was active in national politics and had previously served on the Green Bay City Council.

When the investigation became public in 2021, Sortwell responded with a statement defending himself and his wife. He wrote, “Nearly a decade ago, a disgruntled family member made an accusation against my wife and me. The police appropriately did their jobs and looked into concerns and then forwarded their findings on to the Brown County District Attorney’s Office who rightfully decided to drop the matter.”

His statement added thanks for “public servants who do their best to get to the full story and protect our families and our communities.” 

He didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment on June 22. Wied also didn’t immediately respond to a request.

Three Democrats are running for the congressional seat, including former Green Bay School Board member Rick Crosson, businessman Mark Scheffler of Appleton, and musician Katrina deVille.