Carthage man accused of sexually abusing child

William M. Pulk Franklin County Detention Center photo

FARMINGTON — A 62-year-old Carthage man was arrested Wednesday on a charge of unlawful sexual contact with a child younger than 15.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as William M. Pulk.

Lt. David St. Laurent of the Sheriff’s Office received a complaint Sept. 27 from the Maine Department of Health and Human Services indicating a possible sexual assault against a juvenile, according to Sheriff Scott Nichols Sr.

St. Laurent and an investigator from DHHS conducted interviews with the child and Pulk. They also collected evidence.

A forensic interview was held at a Children’s Advocacy Center, which St. Laurent and a DHHS investigator observed, St. Laurent said.

Such an interview is intended to elicit detailed information about a possible event the child may have experienced or witnessed. The purposes are to obtain information that may be helpful in a criminal investigation, assess the safety of the child’s living arrangements, obtain information that will corroborate or refute allegations or suspicions of abuse and neglect, and assess the need for medical treatment and psychological care.

Pulk is being held without bail at the Franklin County Detention Center in Farmington. He is expected to appear before a judge Friday.

A conviction for unlawful sexual contact is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000.