MESA, Ariz. - A Valley man is facing molestation and sexual abuse charges after he admitted, according to court documents, to touching a 9-year-old girl last week and molesting two other girls younger than 10-years-old 20 years ago.
According to MCSO, the most recent incident took place on June 30 at the victim’s residence in Mesa. A 9-year-old girl reported being touched on her genital area by a person she knew as “Brother Donnelly.”
MCSO later identified the suspect as Richard Donnelly, a volunteer bus driver for a local church.
The 9-year-old victim, according to court paperwork, said Donnelly touched her on the breast, torso, and genital area over her clothing while he gave her a hug.
Court paperwork shows Donnelly initially denied touching the victim, but later admitted doing so. He wrote an apology letter to the victim where he also admitted touching her on her breast and between her legs.
Donnelly was again interviewed by detectives on Tuesday, July 3, where he admitted to touching the victim for “his sexual gratification,” court documents said.
According to the court paperwork, when asked about any other victims Donnelly admitted to molesting two girls younger than 10 years old "several times" on multiple occasions about 20 years ago.
Court docs reveal Donnelly laughed as he told investigators the most recent victim had the same name as one of the girls from 20 years ago, and looked very similar. He said she reminded him of her.
Investigators obtained a police report from 1995 which accused Donnelly of similar acts of child molestation. He was not charged.
MCSO is looking for other possible victims in relation to Donnelly.