Big Top founder pleads not guilty to felony sexual assault, battery charges

The founder and artistic director of the Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua pleaded not guilty today to felony charges of sexual assault and battery.

Warren Paul Nelson, 61, entered the plea during a hearing in Bayfield County Circuit Court. He waived his preliminary hearing, and his attorney, Gene Linehan, filed a demand for a speedy trial.

“That means they have to hold the trial within 90 days,” Linehan said. “This is adversely affecting his reputation and job. Let’s get it resolved quickly...