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Ex-MCSO employee accused of child molestation is arrested in Waddell
Posted
A former employee with the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office was arrested in connection with a child molestation case.
MCSO's Fugitive Apprehension Tactical Enforcement (FATE) team arrested Kirk Meisner, 62, of Waddell on six counts related to sexual abuse and molestation of children, according to a release Thursday.
Mr. Meisner used to work as an MCSO deputy sheriff until he retired in 2001.
MCSO and the Maricopa County Attorney's Office had been investigating for more than a year on this case.
On July 9, 2017 deputies responded to a 911 caller who reported Mr. Meisner as having inappropriately touched two girls on multiple occasions. The most recent incident was June 19, 2017.
Kirk Meisner (MCSO)
Both victims disclosed being touched inappropriately multiple times by the suspect.
The girls' parents told detectives with the Special Victims Unit that they had confronted the suspect themselves, at which time he made incriminating statements pertaining to the allegations.
“Crimes involving children are among the worst that we investigate as part of our duty to the public, and it is especially difficult to learn that one of our former employees is the suspect in this case," Sheriff Paul Penzone stated in a release. "We will continue to enforce the law without favor or prejudice no matter who is involved.”
SVU detectives contacted Mr. Meisner and attempted to interview him about the allegations. He invoked his right to remain silent.
Detectives submitted this case to the MCAO. On Nov. 21, 2018, detectives received notification from MCAO that a Grand Jury Arrest Warrant had been issued for Mr. Meisner.
He was arrested Wednesday at White Tank Library, near the White Tank Mountain Regional Park, according to records.
He faces charges of child molestation, attempt to commit child molestation, and sexual abuse.
MCSO does not know if there are other victims. However, detectives will continue the investigation as necessary.
Mr. Meisner is due in court Dec. 6 for an arraignment hearing. He was jailed in lieu of a $50,000 bond.
Kirk Meisner (MCSO)
