A federal jury has found Cincinnati resident Kelly Richards, 43, also known as ‘Scorpio’, guilty of sex trafficking minors, sexually exploiting children, and illegally possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon.
The six-day trial before U.S. District Judge Jeffery P. Hopkins concluded with the jury finding Richards guilty on all counts. Investigators were alerted in March 2023 that two juveniles had been screened as potential sex trafficking victims.
According to court documents and trial testimony, Richards picked up the two minor victims who had fled a group home in Dayton and drove them to an apartment complex in Cincinnati. At the apartment, Richards provided the minors with cocaine before sexually assaulting them.
Richards also enticed the females into having sex with other men for money that was paid to Richards. The defendant created prostitution advertisements online with explicit pictures of the minor victims and used physical violence against them. Court documents detail that one victim was prostituted up to four times per day in hotels and homes.
Sexually exploiting children is a federal crime punishable by a range of 15 to 30 years in prison. Sex trafficking minors carries a potential penalty of at least 10 years and up to life in prison. Illegal possession of a firearm in this case is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker, FBI Special Agent in Charge Elena Iatarola, and other members of the FBI’s Anti-Trafficking Task Force announced the verdict returned the evening of April 30. Assistant United States Attorneys Kyle J. Healey and Megan Painter Gaffney are representing the United States in this case.
Federal agents arrested Richards on May 16, 2023. Sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court at a future hearing.
Richards is also known for his tattoo of a scorpion on the left side of his face, which earned him the nickname ‘Scorpio’. The case highlights the ongoing issue of sex trafficking and the devastating impact it has on victims.
The conviction is a significant victory for law enforcement and advocates working to combat human trafficking in the region. It serves as a reminder that those who engage in such heinous crimes will be held accountable for their actions.
RELATED: Cincinnati Man ‘Scorpio’ Convicted of Sex Trafficking Teens
Related Federal Cases
- Avon Lake Woman Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking & Drug Charges · Ohio
- Silk Road Vendor Handel Admits to Nationwide Drug Trafficking · Maryland
- Ohio Sex Offender Richard Doman Charged with Registration Failure · West Virginia
- Convicted: Partin’s Horrific Journey to Sex with Minor · Alabama
- Sandusky Sex Predator Duane Wilson Gets 10-Year Sentence · Ohio
Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Sex Crimes|Human Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News