A judge in Wood County has entered not guilty pleas for a Wisconsin Rapids man accused of abducting two men , chaining them inside his home, and sexually assaulting them.
46-year-old Edward Lanphear appeared in court today, where he acknowledged the felony charges against him. However, he stood mute when the judge asked him for a plea, so one was entered on his behalf.
The paper mill worker is accused of kidnapping two men earlier this month, then taking them to his home in a rural area. The alleged victims testified in court Thursday that Lanphear chained them up naked, gave them alcohol, and threatened to hurt them if they didn't comply.
Lanphear was caught after one of the victims was able to escape and ran to a neighbor's to call for help.
AUDIO: Matt Lehman reports (MP3 :28)
