Retired Cudahy firefighter pleads not guilty to sexual assault charge

CUDAHY -- Retired Cudahy firefighter Robert Shimeta pleaded not guilty Thursday, September 20th to charges he sexually assaulted a 12-year-old girl.

Shimeta has been charged with first-degree sexual assault of a child.

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.

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