PHOENIX — A Gilbert fire captain is accused of sexually assaulting an 8-year-old at a party over Easter weekend, according to a report from the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office.
Michael Palmatier was arrested and is facing charges of sexual conduct with a minor, kidnapping and indecent exposure following an incident that occurred while he was off duty, MCSO confirmed Wednesday.
On Thursday, 12 News obtained an arrest report from MCSO that reveals an 8-year-old girl told a family member that Palmatier assaulted her Saturday night during a party the adults were having at the house in a Queen Creek neighborhood.
MCSO conducted an interview with the child on Sunday but her family chose not to have her physically examined.
The victim told investigators that she was asleep in a bedroom when she woke up to Palmatier assaulting her, according to the report. She said that the suspect pulled down her shorts and sexually assaulted her, the report said.
The victim also said she saw Palmatier had his penis out and she bolted off the bed. The victim said Palmatier told her, "WAIT" and grabbed her arm as she tried to escape him, the documents read.
According to MCSO's report, the child was able to lock herself in a bathroom. Once the door was locked, the victim said the suspect said "please forgive me," the report said. Later, Palmatier left the party.
MCSO investigators set up a one-party consent phone call with someone who was at the party and Palmatier. During the phone call, Palmatier said he thought he was kissing an adult woman and repeated expletives when the friend confirmed it was an 8-year-old, according to the documents.
During another one-party consent phone call with another person, Palmatier was asked if he thought the child was lying to which he responded, "No, kids don't f***ing lie. Kids don't lie about s**t like that," the report reads.
According to the documents, Palmatier said he was very drunk that night. People who know him told investigators they knew him to have serious drug and alcohol problems.
Palmatier had resigned from his role with the Town of Gilbert before his arrest, according to a Town of Gilbert spokesperson. They are cooperating with the investigation.