A Cleveland man is facing a slate of serious felony charges after Manitowoc County detectives say he sexually abused his daughter over several years and tried to involve a stepchild. The allegations in newly filed court documents describe nude photographs, forced sexual contact, and multiple counts tied to child sexual assault.
On Friday, May 22, 2026, prosecutors formally charged 36‑year‑old Joshua Ganzel in Manitowoc County Circuit Court. As reported by Seehafer News, the investigation began in December 2025, when the victim told authorities she “didn’t trust men anymore.” The criminal complaint lists counts including two counts of first‑degree child sexual assault, repeated sexual assault of the same child, two counts of incest, child sexual exploitation, and soliciting a child for prostitution. Court records show he is due back in court on June 25 for a scheduling conference.
Manitowoc County’s public jail roster lists Joshua David Ganzel, 36, as currently held in the county jail. The county prisoner listing printed May 20, 2026, shows his name among those in custody and indicates he remains behind bars while prosecutors move the case forward.
What the complaint alleges
The criminal complaint, as detailed by Seehafer News, alleges that around 2019, Ganzel began taking nude photos of his daughter while she was sleeping and had her participate in what were described as “naked messages.” Detectives say that during an interview at a tavern, he admitted to some of the conduct, including having the girl perform sexual acts on him and asking his stepchild if he would want to join.
The complaint further alleges that on at least one occasion he forced his daughter to perform a sexual act after she said no. Investigators obtained a search warrant for Ganzel’s current phone and seized it, according to the complaint, although he told detectives that the phone used to take some of the photos had been thrown away.
Charges and legal process
Prosecutors have filed multiple felony counts that carry potentially decades of prison time under Wisconsin law. First‑degree sexual assault of a child is codified at Wisconsin Statutes §948.02, with related child sexual assault offenses covered in other provisions of Chapter 948. Convictions can bring lengthy prison sentences and may require sex‑offender registration and other sentencing enhancements.
The case will proceed in Manitowoc County Circuit Court, starting with the June 25 scheduling conference. For now, Ganzel remains held on $50,000 cash bail, according to public reporting, and the county prisoner list reflects that he is still in custody. Authorities say anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact the Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Office or the county prosecutor’s office as the investigation and court process continue.
