KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office deputy was arrested for sexual crimes involving a child under 14 years old, District Attorney Mark Dupree said Tuesday.
Michael Mastel, 52, was charged with three counts of sexual exploitation of a child and one count each of rape, which allegedly occurred in 2018, and aggravated criminal sodomy, which allegedly occurred in 2011 and 2012.
He is alleged to have committed sexual acts with a child he knew and interacted with, though not through the Sheriff's Office. Dupree said the alleged acts occurred outside of his work as a deputy.
Dupree would not comment on how old the child is now or what the child’s relationship is with Mastel.
Sheriff Donald Ash said that Mastel, who has worked at the Sheriff’s Office since 2010, has been placed on administrative leave without pay.
"I’m disappointed. I’m angry at the nature of the charges and the alleged behavior," Ash said at the news conference. "That being said, we still have to show up every day and do our job. We still have to continue to move forward and be prepared to handle whatever comes before us."
Dupree said that an investigation began in October 2018 after the child came forward.
“Our children are important, and when they speak, it is imperative for us all to listen," Dupree said. "Believe them so that we can protect them. No matter how hard the job is, no matter how tough the case is, law enforcement will believe you. And this office will believe you."
