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Parma Man Charged with Sex Trafficking of Children
A 54-year-old Parma man is facing federal charges for allegedly engaging in sex trafficking of children.
Richard Purnell, 54, was taken into custody by the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force at approximately 8:30pm on May 6, 2016, in Parma, Ohio.
According to court documents, the investigation began in November 2015 when the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force became aware of an online advertisement for a “lovely college girl” who had a “thing for older men.” Photos attached to the advertisement appeared to indicate a female under the age of 18.
Agents confirmed that the “lovely college girl” was in fact 14 years of age, and a federal arrest warrant was obtained for Purnell.
Purnell has been held in the Parma jail since his arrest and is scheduled to appear before federal Judge Parker on [date] at 2:30 p.m.
A complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, Purnell’s sentence will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including his prior criminal records, if any; his role in the offenses; and the characteristics of the violations.
Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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