BELLINGHAM — A 52-year-old Seattle firefighter accused of engaging in a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl has been charged with three counts of third-degree child rape.
Charges were filed Tuesday in Whatcom County Superior Court against veteran firefighter Michael Sulak of Ferndale.
Charging documents say the man got to know the girl through a community theater group where he worked on musicals with members of the girl’s family. Prosecutors say the girl’s father contacted Lynden, Wash., police because he was worried his daughter “might be having a relationship with an adult” and turned over an iPod the girl allegedly used to communicate with Sulak.
The man is also charged with unlawfully harboring a minor.
Sulak has been released on bond. His arraignment is set for Friday. His lawyer did not immediately return a phone call and email late Tuesday night.
A Seattle Fire Department spokesman says the firefighter is on paid administrative leave.
