Michael J. Castillo
A Damariscotta man who plans to open a Mexican eatery in Newcastle faces charges of domestic violence assault, unlawful sexual contact, and unlawful sexual touching.
Michael J. Castillo, 32, allegedly committed the crimes against an adult female at his apartment in downtown Damariscotta, according to Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Michael Murphy. Castillo denied the charges in a phone interview Thursday, May 5.
He faces charges of class D domestic violence assault, class D unlawful sexual contact, and class D unlawful sexual touching, all misdemeanors.
The allegations involve “unwanted” conduct, Murphy said. The difference between the contact and touching charges relates to the area of contact on the body.
“It’s a false accusation,” Castillo said.
LCSO Detective Jared Mitkus, who specializes in domestic violence, arrested Castillo at his friend’s house on South Beech Hill Road in Pittston on April 17, with assistance from Deputy Ryan Chubbuck and Damariscotta Police Officer Kyle Sylvester.
Castillo was taken to Two Bridges Regional Jail in Wiscasset and later released on $300 bail.
Castillo and his girlfriend, Sara McKenzie, plan to open ¡Que Rico! in a trailer at 67 Main St. in Newcastle this month, according to previous reports.
“I would say it would be (a concern) because I look at this as a crime of opportunity,” Murphy said. “He wasn’t out there stalking anybody, but I believe it was a crime of opportunity and it’s concerning.”
“Everybody’s innocent until proven guilty, of course,” Murphy said.
Castillo is due to appear in court Thursday, May 26.
