Alleged firefighter impersonator was convicted of child sex assault

EAGLE COUNTY, Colo. — Posing as a firefighter and stealing equipment are just the latest allegations against Michael Maher of Denver.

His lengthy criminal record includes a conviction for sexually assaulting a child in Eagle County in 2003.

According to court records, the 14-year-old female victim told police:

“Michael was giving her a ride up to Edwards to look for her boyfriend. Michael then drove to the 500 block of Lindburgh Drive in Gypsum, Colorado…(he) tried to kiss her several times (and) pulled her pants down…she told him several times to stop before he did stop and took her home.”

The 2003 arrest and conviction along with other arrests for domestic violence, DUI and false reporting may have been enough to prevent Maher from becoming a legitimate firefighter.

Most departments require a background check.

Maher is suspected of posing as a firefighter and stealing firefighting equipment.