Cleveland Preacher Accused Of Paying Minor For Sex: Prosecutors

CLEVELAND — Reverend Randolph Brown has been accused of paying a minor for sex, prosecutors announced. Law enforcement also announced charges accusing Joyce Richmond of trafficking three minors.

Brown, 64, and Richmond, 21, face charges for compelling prostitution and trafficking in persons, respectively. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said Richmond trafficked three underage girls who had runaway from home. Brown is accused of paying a minor for sex, prosecutors said.

The investigation into Brown and Richmond was led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Cuyahoga County Regional Human Trafficking Taskforce.

“The allegations in this case are particularly troubling given Mr. Brown’s role as a spiritual leader in the community,” said HSI Special Agent in Charge Vance Callander. “This investigation should however make clear that traffickers will be held accountable, regardless of the positions they occupy.”

Brown is listed as the pastor of the Inner-City Missionary Baptist Church on the group's website. The Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's office will lead the trial against both Richmond and Brown.

“Indictments of coordinated operations like this don’t happen accidently,” Yost said. “It’s the great work of our task force and partners in law enforcement, as well as Prosecutor O’Malley’s office who will now ensure that these traffickers stay behind bars.”