PHOENIX - A former Maricopa County Sheriff's Office employee was arrested Wednesday for allegedly touching two girls inappropriately on multiple occasions in 2017.
Sgt. Joaquin Enriquez said 62-year-old Kirk Meisner, of Waddell, was taken into custody following a year-long investigation involving MCSO's SVU detectives and the Maricopa County Attorney's Office.
According to Enriquez, deputies were first alerted to the incidents on July 9, 2017, when they responded to a 911 call reporting that Meisner had touched two girls on several occasions, with the most recent on June 19.
In an interview with officials, both victims said they had been touched inappropriately by Meisner multiple times. Detectives also spoke with the victims' parents, who said they confronted Meisner about the allegations and he made incriminating statements.
When he was contacted by detectives, Meisner invoked his right to remain silent and refused to be interviewed. His case was submitted to the county attorney, and a grand jury arrest warrant was issued on November 21, 2018.
He is facing charges of molestation of a child, attempt to commit molestation of a child, and sexual abuse.
Enriquez said there are no known additional victims at this time, but detectives are continuing to investigate.
"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," said Sheriff Paul Penzone. "We will continue to enforce the law without favor or prejudice no matter who is involved."
Meisner previously worked as a deputy sheriff with MCSO, retiring in 2001.
