Former Cudahy firefighter pleads no contest to sexual assault

CUDAHY (WITI) -- Robert Shimeta, a former Cudahy firefighter accused of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl pleaded no contest Wednesday, April 10th.

Shimeta is charged with second degree sexual assault of a child.

Prosecutors say he fondled the girl while watching videos.

He will be sentenced in June.

Shimeta is a decorated 18-year veteran of the Cudahy Fire Department.

According to a criminal complaint, the victim in this case was watching funny animal videos on the computer located in an upstairs bedroom in Shimeta's home. There was a single chair at the computer, and Shimeta sat on the chair, and the girl sat on Shimeta's lap.

The complaint goes on to say Shimeta placed his hand underneath the girl's bra and "rubbed and fondled the victim's breast for several minutes."

One of Shimeta's family members told FOX6 News the accusations against Shimeta are not true, and she believes a relative of the victim lied to authorities.

According to the criminal complaint, Shimeta admitted to touching the girl's breast for approximately five minutes, but denied he was sexually aroused by it.

Shimeta's bail was set at $5,000 cash, and he was ordered to have no contact with the victim or her family.

If convicted, Shimeta faces up to 60 years in prison.