A retired firefighter and one-time Commodore of the Coronado Yacht Club plead not guilty to charges of sexual assault on a minor Monday afternoon at the Chula Vista Courthouse.
Thomas Garrett, 71, was arrested on Feb. 3 and charged with forcible lewd act on a victim under 14 years of age and one charge for a lewd act on a child. He is accused of abusing a child who lived next door to him.
More than 60 people showed up in support of Garrett, saying that the charges are outside his character.
In the past, Garrett was involved in the Amazing Race for Children, an event that's been held for four years and is sponsored by the Yacht Club, with proceeds going to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
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