WEST CHESTER, PA – James Richards, a 53-year-old resident of Satellite Beach, Florida, was arrested on December 1, 2024, in Chester County, Pennsylvania, after attempting to engage in sexual activity with a child, according to the Chester County District Attorney’s Office.
Richards was apprehended following a sting operation where he solicited sexual contact with what he believed was a nine-year-old girl. Instead, he was communicating with an undercover Chester County Detective.
The operation was initiated after a witness reported to the police on November 25, 2024, about Richards allegedly raping a 10-year-old child in Florida.
The sting was meticulously planned after learning Richards was traveling to Pennsylvania for the Thanksgiving holiday. Acting on this information, a meeting was scheduled where Richards agreed to pay $300 for sexual contact with the child. He was arrested on November 30, 2024, at the predetermined location, in possession of $300, lubrication jelly, and Skittles candy intended for the child.
District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe praised the efforts of the investigators, stating, “The Defendant traveled to Chester County with the express purpose of sexually assaulting a 9-year-old girl for $300. I am grateful to the team of detectives who worked over the Thanksgiving weekend to catch this child predator.”
Richards has been charged with Attempted Rape of a Child, Trafficking in Persons, among other related offenses. He was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Timothy Arndt, who set bail at $2,000,000 in cash. Richards remains in custody at Chester County Prison.
The investigation revealed that there might be additional victims. DA de Barrena-Sarobe urged anyone with information about Richards or similar incidents to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community vigilance in protecting children. Contact details for the Chester County Detectives and Childline were provided for anyone with information.
The Chester County Detectives Office, with assistance from the Phoenixville Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations Philadelphia, led the investigation. First Assistant District Attorney Erin O’Brien has been assigned as the prosecutor in this case.