Man found dead before court appearance

Authorities said man died from suicide

DARLINGTON, Wis. — On the day a Darlington man was to appear in court on a sexual assault charge, family members found him dead at his home.

David Johnston, 55, was due in court Tuesday for an initial appearance for one count of first-degree sexual assault of a child younger than 13 years old.

According to online court records, that charge was filed in May for an incident that allegedly occurred in March 2011. Court records showed Johnston was not to have any contact with children, nor could he carry a firearm or have a computer. Johnston was also not allowed to have a smartphone, according to court records.

Authorities said Johnston was out of jail on bond.

The Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office said Johnston died from a self-inflicted act. His body was found at his residence in the 19000 block of Highway 23, north of Darlington on Tuesday.