Burlington, VT - The U.S. Marshals Service, Vermont Violent
Offender Task Force (VVOTF) arrested a fugitive who was wanted on several sex
assault charges in West Virginia.
Robert Richards, 67, of Fairmont, West Virginia was arrested
on Friday, August 21, 2015 in St. Johnsbury, Vermont when located by Deputy
U.S. Marshals and members of the Vermont Violent Offender Task Force. Richards
was wanted by the West Virginia State Police Crimes Against Children Unit in
Marion County, West Virginia. Richards is accused of sexually abusing a 5 year
old on multiple occasions while babysitting the child.
On August 18, 2015 the State of West Virginia issued eight
(8) arrest warrants for Richards. These warrants were quickly turned over to
the U.S. Marshals Service in Northern West Virginia after Richards fled the
state after he learned the 5 year disclosed the abuse. On August 20, 2015 the
U.S. Marshals Service in West Virginia contacted the VVOTF seeking their
assistance in locating Richards, as there was vague information suggesting
Richards had possibly fled to Vermont.
On August 21, 2015 the VVOTF tirelessly and swiftly began
working the case, narrowing their sights on St. Johnsbury, Vermont and later
locating Richards at a residence within the town.
Richards was arrested without incident and lodged at the
Northeast State Correctional Facility in St. Johnsbury, and charged as being a
Fugitive from Justice. Richards was held without bail, pending arraignment on
Monday, August 24, 2015 in the Caledonia Superior Court, Criminal Division.
This arrest was a result of a culmination of investigative
efforts by the U.S. Marshals VVOTF and the U.S. Marshals Service for the
Northern District of West Virginia. Please see the below link for local
coverage of the arrest in West Virginia.
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