Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — A West Valley man convicted over a decade ago in federal court of illegal sexual contact with a disabled person has been arrested and accused of trying to meet a minor for sex.
Randi James Richins, 35, was arrested Sunday for investigation of enticing a minor, dealing in harmful materials to a minor, sexual exploitation of a minor and obstructing justice.
Richins engaged in text conversations with a girl over the course of several weeks, according to a police affidavit. The report does not indicate whether Richins was talking to an actual girl or an undercover officer.
On Sept. 20, Richins arranged to meet the minor for sex, the affidavit states. When he arrived, an officer attempted to arrest him, but said Richins fled. Early Sunday, investigators caught up with him and booked him into jail.
In 2003, Richins was indicted in federal court for coercing and having sex with a person who was not able to decline due to disabilities, according to court records. He was convicted and sentenced to federal prison for two years.
