Sex Trafficking of Minors: Visalia Man Indicted

FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury has returned a four-count indictment against Tyrell Richmond, 31, of Visalia, charging him with three counts of sex trafficking of a minor by force, fraud and coercion, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to the indictment, Tyrell Richmond had prostituted three 16-year-old girls, all of whom were runaways, for about one week, first in Visalia and then in Fresno. The girls were required to turn over to Richmond all money they earned and were not permitted to leave the motel room, other than to get ice.

The case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Visalia Police, and the Fresno Police. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Frye is prosecuting the case.

Richmond is currently in federal custody. If convicted, he faces a minimum of 15 years and up to life in prison and a $250,000 fine.

A previous investigation had revealed that Richmond had three prior felony convictions, making him ineligible to possess a firearm. He is now facing additional charges for his alleged involvement in the sex trafficking ring.

The charges against Richmond are only allegations and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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