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Gum Spring Man Convicted of Sexually Exploiting Minors
A federal jury in Richmond, Virginia has convicted Richard Scott Tyson, 57, of multiple charges related to the production and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and the attempted coercion and enticement of a minor.
According to court records, Tyson was previously convicted in 2002 of rape involving a child, for which he received 99 years of imprisonment with 86 years suspended. Between 2021 and 2023, Tyson sexually exploited two minor victims, including Minor Victim 1 (MV1) and Minor Victim 2 (MV2).
Tyson met MV1 in 2021 and developed a relationship with the child and their family members. He soon began taking MV1 on trips and paying for items such as video games, clothing, or activities on his behalf. MV1 then began staying overnight and on weekends at Tyson’s house.
MV2 joined Tyson and MV1 during activities and trips to hotels, resorts, and amusement parks, for which Tyson paid. During these activities and trips, as well as at Tyson’s home, Tyson engaged in sexual relations with MV2 and took pictures of both minor victims while they were nude or mostly undressed and posed in sexualized positions in exchange for money.
Tyson faces a mandatory minimum of 35 years and up to life in prison when sentenced on July 29. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI’s Richmond Field Office and the Powhatan County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case with assistance from the Goochland County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shea M. Gibbons and Thomas A. Garnett are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.
Defendant: Richard Scott Tyson
Criminal Charges: Production of CSAM, possession of CSAM, attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, commission by a registered sex offender of a felony offense involving a minor
City and State: Richmond, Virginia
Exact Date: 2021-2023 (crime date)
Sentence or Outcome: Mandatory minimum of 35 years and up to life in prison
Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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