West Chester, PennsylvaniaThe Chester County District Attorney’s Office reports that on December 1, 2024, James Richards, 53, of Satellite Beach, Florida, was taken into custody in Chester County, Pennsylvania, for allegedly trying to have sex with a minor.
After a sting operation in which he allegedly offered sex to a girl he thought was nine years old, Richards was caught. Rather, he was speaking with a Chester County Detective who was working undercover.
On November 25, 2024, a witness told authorities that Richards had reportedly raped a 10-year-old child in Florida, which prompted the start of the operation.
When it was discovered that Richards would be spending Thanksgiving in Pennsylvania, the sting was carefully prepared. In response to this information, a meeting was set up and Richards consented to pay $300 to have sex with the child. On November 30, 2024, he was taken into custody at the designated spot while in possession of $300, lubricant jelly, and kid-safe Skittles candies.
Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe, the district attorney, commended the investigators’ work, saying, “The defendant came to Chester County specifically to sexually assault a 9-year-old girl for $300.” The detective team that worked throughout the Thanksgiving weekend to apprehend this child predator has my gratitude.
Among other connected charges, Richards has been charged with attempted child rape and human trafficking. Magisterial District Judge Timothy Arndt imposed bail at $2,000,000 in cash when he arraigned him. Chester County Prison is still where Richards is being held.
According to the inquiry, there may be more victims. DA de Barrena-Sarobe stressed the value of community vigilance in safeguarding minors and urged anybody with knowledge about Richards or similar incidents to come forward. Anyone with information was given the Chester County Detectives’ and Childline’s contact information.
The investigation was led by the Chester County Detectives Office with support from Homeland Security Investigations Philadelphia and the Phoenixville Police Department. In this case, the prosecutor has been designated as First Assistant District Attorney Erin O. Brien.
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!
