Florida Man Traveled To Chester Co. To Try To Rape Child: DA

WEST CHESTER, PA — A Florida man traveled to Chester County to attempt to have sex with a child who was actually an undercover police officer, the district attorney's office said.

James Richards, 53, of Satellite Beach, Florida, has been charged with attempted rape of a child, trafficking, and related counts.

Police said they were originally tipped off by a witness who said that on Nov. 25, Richards had bragged to someone else about sexually assaulting a child in front of her mother.

Richards was visiting the Pennsylvania area over Thanksgiving when police received the tip, and an undercover police officer contacted him online, authorities said. The officer posed as a nine-year-old child, and Richards agreed to pay $300 for sex, according to the district attorney's office.

On Nov. 30, Richards arrived at the police-arranged meeting point with the money, lubrication jelly, and Skittles candy for the child, police said.

Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe said he believes there is at least one more victim they haven't yet identified, and urged anyone with information to contact their office at 610-344-6866.

Bail for Richards was set at $2 million, and he was booked at Chester County Prison. A preliminary hearing is forthcoming.

If you know of a child in danger, contact Childline at 1-800-932-0313. Reports can be anonymous.