Bail set at $5,000 for firefighter accused of sexual assault of child

CUDAHY -- Retired Cudahy firefighter Robert Shimeta has been charged with first-degree sexual assault of a child. Shimeta made his initial appearance in court Monday, September 10th.

FOX6 News interviewed Shimeta -- a decorated 18-year veteran of the Cudahy Fire Department back in 2008. Now, Shimeta is accused of fondling a 12-year-old girl.

According to a criminal complaint, the girl 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.

In court Monday, 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. His next court appearance is set for September 20th.

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