BY MAIRE O’NEILL
maire@losalamosreporter.com

Editor’s note: The contents of this story may be disturbing to some readers

Michael A. Novak, 61, of Los Alamos was arrested Jan. 21 and charged with two counts of criminal sexual penetration in the first degree of a child under 13 and two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor – child under 13 unclothed.

Novak was released on personal recognizance by Los Alamos Magistrate Judge Pat Casados following a telephonic hearing. According to Court files, in addition to standard conditions of release, Novak is to report to pre-trial services daily and have no contact with anyone under 18.

An affidavit for an arrest warrant and search warrant for DNA filed Jan. 20 by Los Alamos Police Department Matthew Lyon states that the child’s mother said Novak was watching the child at his home from Sunday, Jan. 17 through Monday, morning, Jan. 18. According to Lyons’ report, when the mother was picking up the child from Novak’s home Monday morning, the child made the allegations concerning Novak.

A status hearing has been set for Feb. 26 in Los Alamos Magistrate Court.