Tony the Twister, a balloon sculptor known for creating hats and animals at community events and Madison restaurants, was charged Monday with repeated sexual assault of a child, according to a criminal complaint.
Anthony Stelter, 39, a self-employed balloonist, performed for children at a wide range of events and businesses in the city, according to Town of Madison Detective Robb Hale.
Prior to his arrest, Stelter worked Thursday nights at the Nitty Gritty restaurant on Frances Street. He also appeared at special local events throughout Madison, including an annual fundraiser for juvenile diabetes and Big Brothers Big Sisters activities.
At our Big Brothers Big Sisters appreciation day, it was called a fun day, there was probably between 300 and 400 kids there,"" said UW-Madison senior Karissa Weske, a Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteer. ""He did balloons for us all day and the kids interact with him all the time.""
Stelter now faces 25 years to life in prison for the sexual assault. The criminal complaint said Stelter engaged in pedophilia acts with the then 13-year-old victim approximately 200 times.
During the sexual assault investigation, police found cocaine and drug paraphernalia in Stelter's home. Hale said Stelter was first arrested for possession and later charged with the sexual assault counts.
""News like that is kind of stunning seeing that he is with kids all the time,"" Weske said. ""He comes to a lot of the Big Brothers Big Sisters events whenever he is able, he is kind of the first person that is called.""
Hale said police investigating Stelter's criminal activity have not found any indication that Stelter's balloon twisting patrons were victimized by him.
Stelter currently is in jail but if he posts bail, he will be released with strict limitations until his preliminary hearing scheduled for April 29, according to Hale. There will be a separate hearing for the drug charges.
Community members and police said they feel safer with Stelter behind bars.
""He is a threat to our community. I think that all children are at risk with Stelter being around,"" Hale said.
