Michael Richardson sentenced to 40 years for child molestation and incest

Michael Allen Richardson

Emotions were certainly high on Wednesday afternoon in Circuit Court Judge Larry W. Medlock’s courtroom as citizens gathered for the sentencing hearing of convicted child sex offender Michael Allen Richardson. After several incredibly disturbing victim impact statements detailing the heinous acts perpetrated by Richardson involving two of his own children, Judge Medlock sentenced him to 40 years without parole, which is the maximum sentence allowed by law. It was stated in the hearing that Richardson also molested a third child approximately 15 years ago. This, however, was not part of his trial.

Richardson was arrested by Indiana State Police (ISP) on child sex offense charges in May 2024, with additional related charges filed in July 2024 while he was already in custody. The investigation began May 10, 2024, after a Harrison County school employee contacted the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) about possible sexual abuse of a student. It was stated in the sentencing hearing that one of the children approached their school counselor about the issue.

ISP Detective Travis Baker worked with DCS to investigate the case. Steps included a sexual assault forensic examination at a local hospital and a forensic interview at a child advocacy center. A search warrant was served on May 14, 2024, and Richardson was reportedly arrested that same day without incident.

His initial charges were as follows:

• Child Molesting – Level 1 Felony

• Child Molesting – Level 4 Felony

• Incest – Level 4 Felony

• Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor – Level 5 Felony

As previously mentioned, additional charges were added in July of 2024 when a separate investigation began after DCS became aware of further allegations. This included a forensic interview and a search warrant for related cell phones.

During this search of Richardson’s residence and devices, investigators found many “adult toys” related to the case and explicit images and videos of child exploitation on Richardson’s device(s).

While in custody, additional charges were filed. They are as follows:

• Four counts of Child Molesting – Level 1 Felony

• Five counts of Child Exploitation – Level 4 Felony

• Four counts of Incest – Level 4 Felony

“I’ve heard cases for 30-40 years,” began Judge Medlock. “I’ve seen a lot of remorse… I didn’t see much remorse from you, Mr. Richardson.” This statement was in reference to Richardson’s apology during his public statement.

“I believe a man has a responsibility to protect their children and families, and to stand between them and evil,” Medlock continued. “This is dishonorable… Therefore, on each count, I sentence you to 40 years concurrent with no probation time… The court finds that you are a sex offender and a violent offender against children… You shall register as a sex offender for life.”

Judge Medlock added that he believes this type of behavior is “despicable.”

“It sickens me,” he said. “No young lady or young man should ever go through what you’ve gone through, and I am very sorry for that.”

The following is a press release from Washington County Prosecutor Tara Coats Hunt received on August 20:

---

WASHINGTON COUNTY —Tara Coats Hunt, Washington County Prosecutor, announced

that Michael Richardson, 33, of Salem, was sentenced yesterday afternoon, August 19, by Circuit Court Judge Larry W. Medlock, to 40 years in the Indiana Department of Correction after entering an open guilty plea to two Level 1 felony counts of Child Molestation.

Michael Richardson entered an open guilty plea to two counts of Level 1 felony Child Molestation involving two separate minor victims. Richard, being a person of at least 21 years of age, admitted he did knowingly or intentionally perform or submit to sexual intercourse or other sexual conduct with two minor victims, both under 14 years of age. The offenses occurred in Washington County, Indiana.

“This defendant’s actions caused profound harm to two children who should have been protected from this type of abuse,” said Prosecutor Tara Coats Hunt. “While no sentence can undo what these victims have endured, this sentence holds the defendant accountable for his actions and recognizes the seriousness of the crimes committed against these children.”

“Child molestation cases are among the most serious cases handled by this office. Our responsibility is to pursue justice while protecting the dignity and privacy of child victims throughout the criminal justice process. We will continue to aggressively prosecute individuals who sexually abuse children and seek significant consequences when the evidence supports those charges.”

The two minor victims have suffered greatly as a result of the defendant’s conduct. The Prosecutor’s Office recognizes the courage required of child victims and their families to come forward and participate in the criminal justice process.

“Our thoughts remain with these two victims and their families as they continue to deal with the lasting impact of these crimes,” Prosecutor Hunt said. “Justice in these cases is not simply about a number of years imposed at sentencing. It is about making clear that children deserve to be safe, that those who abuse them will be held accountable, and that this community will not tolerate sexual abuse of children.”

The conviction also carries significant long-term consequences for Richardson. Because of the nature and level of the convictions, Richardson qualifies as a Serious Violent Felon, a Sexually Violent Predator, and Offender against Children under Indiana law and will be subject to lifetime registration as a sex offender, subject to applicable Indiana law.

The Washington County Prosecutor’s Office remains committed to aggressively investigating and prosecuting crimes involving the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. In recent years, the office has seen an increase in both convictions and significant sentences in child sex crime cases, reflecting its continued commitment to holding offenders accountable and protecting vulnerable victims.

“These cases are a priority for this office,” said Prosecutor Hunt. “We will continue to seek appropriate charges, pursue convictions, and advocate for meaningful sentences in cases involving the sexual abuse of children. Protecting children and holding those who victimize them accountable is one of our highest responsibilities.”

Prosecutor Hunt also expressed appreciation for Chief Deputy Prosecutor Melissa Campbell and Victim Advocate Jessica Lanham for the work and dedication involved in bringing this case to a successful resolution.

“Cases involving the sexual abuse of children require tremendous care, preparation, and commitment,” said Prosecutor Hunt. “I want to specifically thank Chief Deputy Melissa Campbell for the hard work, attention to detail, and dedication to seeking justice for these two minor victims. The outcome in this case reflects the commitment of our entire office to holding individuals who commit these horrific crimes accountable.”

The Prosecutor’s Office extends its appreciation to Detective Travis Baker of the Indiana State Police, Washington County Department of Child Services, the Comfort House Child Advocacy Center, and the other professionals who assisted in the investigation and prosecution of this case.

---

Richardson has the right to appeal the sentence, but not the conviction.

The Washington County Times reached out to the family of the victims for a comment. Maggie Bennett, who said she experienced abuse first-hand from Richardson, provided a statement to be included in this article.

“I’m as happy as I can be with the sentencing,” she said. Bennett added that Richardson’s actions deeply affected multiple people and praised the young victims involved in the case for their strength.

“My beautiful niece and her half sister Ciera are warriors,” she said. “Those girls are my superheroes.”

She also said she hopes the case prompts the community to pay greater attention to allegations of child abuse and support victims who come forward.

“Our community should be coming together with every case like this one,” Bennett said. “My heart hurts for the other little girls in this world silenced by men like Michael Richardson.”