NORTHAMPTON, Pa. — Newly obtained court documents provide additional details surrounding felony charges filed against a Northampton Borough man who is listed on the Northampton Borough Fire Department’s 2026–2027 officer roster as a captain.
Michael A. Dempsey Jr., 40, of Northampton, was charged on August 11 following an investigation by the Northampton Borough Police Department.
According to court records, Dempsey faces four felony charges:
- Two counts of aggravated indecent assault involving a complainant under 16
- Unlawful contact with a minor involving sexual offenses
- Corruption of minors
The charges stem from an alleged incident in August 2018. According to the criminal complaint, Dempsey was 32 at the time and the alleged victim was a 14-year-old girl.
The complaint contains allegations that Dempsey sexually assaulted the girl inside a detached garage at a Northampton residence.
Initial Investigation Began in 2019
According to the complaint, the girl disclosed the alleged incident during a therapy session in April 2019. That disclosure resulted in a mandated ChildLine report, and Northampton Borough Police reportedly interviewed her several days later.
Court documents state that the alleged victim and her family moved to Florida during the summer of 2019.
Police records reportedly indicated that the investigation remained open; however, according to the complaint, no additional investigative action was documented at that time.
Case Reviewed Nearly Seven Years Later
The investigation resurfaced in 2026.
According to court documents, on May 7, 2026, Northampton Police Chief Bryan Kadingo and Sgt. Buchanan directed a detective to review the unresolved case.
Investigators contacted the alleged victim on May 13.
According to the complaint, she told investigators she remembered the alleged assault “like it happened yesterday.” Police said she provided an account consistent with the statement she gave investigators in 2019 and indicated she was willing to cooperate with the investigation and testify.
The investigation ultimately resulted in the criminal charges being filed against Dempsey on August 11.
Bail Set at $50,000
Court docket information shows Dempsey was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Robert A. Hawke.
Monetary bail was set at $50,000. Court records dated August 11 list Dempsey as being held at the Northampton County Prison after being unable to post bail.
A preliminary hearing is currently scheduled for August 25 at 11 a.m. before Judge Hawke.
Listed as Northampton Borough Fire Captain
A publicly posted Northampton Borough Fire Department announcement from December 2025 identifying its 2026–2027 department officers lists Michael Dempsey as a captain.
The criminal docket identifies the defendant as Michael A. Dempsey Jr.
The filing of criminal charges represents allegations and is not a finding of guilt. Dempsey is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
First Source News will continue following this case and provide updates as additional court information becomes available.
