Federal grand jury indicts IMPD sergeant charged in child porn case
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — An Indianapolis police sergeant charged with multiple counts of child exploitation now faces additional federal charges relating to child sex crimes.
A federal grand jury on Friday returned an indictment charging Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Sgt. Javed Richards with five counts of distributing child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography.
Richards, who has been suspended from IMPD pending a recommendation of termination, was arrested in August after police say he sent over 40 images and videos of child sexual abuse through a messaging app on July 14.
He was released from in jail in August after surrendering his passport and four firearms to the court.
Richards made an initial appearance in court on Thursday. His jury trial is set to begin Oct. 21.
In total, Richards faces 20 charges, including both state and federal charges. If convicted, he could spend over 150 years behind bars.
Related coverage
- IMPD sergeant arrested on 12 child porn charges
- IMPD sergeant sent over 40 child porn videos through messaging app in 1 night, police say
- Indianapolis police sergeant arrested for child porn could face 160 years in prison if convicted
- More charges possible for IMPD sergeant caught with child porn
Help is available for victims of domestic violence. Below is a list of suggested resources on the Domestic Violence Network website:
- Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence: 24-hour hotline available at 800-332-7385
- Indiana Coalition to End Sexual Assault and Human Trafficking
- The Julian Center
- Indiana Child Abuse Hotline: 800-800-5556
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-4673
