Friend, family shocked by sex assault charges

Glastonbury, Conn. (WTNH) - A couple who adopted several young boys through the Department of Children and Families is now charged with sexually assaulting at least two of them.

The two fathers appeared in court and the judge issued each eight protective orders keeping them away from their adopted sons.

Douglas Wirth and his partner George Harasz are charged with sexually abusing two of their nine adopted children.

Friends and family said they saw no sign of trouble in the Glastonbury home, describing the couple as committed parents.

"This is my brother, and I came here to support him," said Richard Harasz.

"Everything I've seen over a decade of them is that they are good parents," one friend said.

One friend made a startling accusation of his own. He alleges that the teen victims are looking for money.

"George and Doug are pretty well off, from what I've heard, they wanted money and when they didn't want to give them the money, all of sudden this came out," said George Matuza of Glastonbury.

Police began focusing on the couple at their Glastonbury mansion in February where they were raising 11 children, nine of them had been adopted.

The state removed the minor children, and the men were arrested on Wednesday.

Harasz is facing the most serious charges, including first degree sexual assault.
    
"They've always seemed like good people and the kids didn't seem abused, never showed any outward signs," said Matuza. "They all seemed like a good family."

Wirth is due back in court on January 10. His bond was set at $75,000.

Harasz is due back in court on January 11. His bond was set at $350,000.

Police said they have wrapped up the two investigations, however when asked if there were more victims police declined to comment.