Rating:

0.0 (0 votes)

TUCSON-The family of a Tucson man accused of molesting a four-year-old girl is speaking out.

41-year-old Paul Machado is being held in the Pima County Jail.

He's facing two charges of sexual conduct with a minor.

Those I spoke to said they were surprised by the allegations.

Machado is a Veteran, served 15 years in the military and according to court records, this is his first criminal offense.

"This catches me kind of off guard," said Neighbor Kenny Jericho.

Jericho described his neighbor as a nice guy.

"He was just normal you know. He served in the war and he seemed to be okay, you know what I mean," said Jericho."He didn't come off nothing like that, but you never know around here, you know?"

According to court records, a four-year-old was interviewed and examined by medical personnel who said the child had injuries consistent with being sexually violated.

"This is outrageous because my dad would not do something like this," said his son Chris. "The majority of the day, I was with him."

Court records show Machado was caring for the four-year-old that day.

"He's very loving to kids. Very careful with them and very caring to them and if anything happens to a kid, he makes sure they are properly taken care of," said Chris.

Bernie Aleman said Machado is a friend.

"Anything's possible. I've worked in social services for almost 18 years, so it wouldn't be wise for me to say never this or never that. I'd find it very hard to believe though," said Aleman.

But neighbor Harold Arterio said if he's convicted: "keep him locked up if he did and move him to a different area."

Machado is currently being held without bond.

His friends and family said he suffers from cancer and hope he is getting his medication.