Forced Child Molestation victims aged six to nine

Firefighter to be Arraigned on Child Molestation Charges
Written for the web by C. Johnson, Internet News Producer

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A firefighter arrested on suspicion of multiple felony child molestation charges is scheduled to be arraigned today. The victims are all girls between the ages of six and nine.

Detectives say Richard Alvin Priest, 47, has confessed to the charges. He is in custody on six counts of forcible acts of sexual penetration and six counts of lewd or lascivious acts with a minor. The victims are six girls between the ages of six and nine.

Priest was arrested Wednesday night. Last Sunday police received a report that the suspect allegedly touched a child in an inappropriate manner. During their investigation, three additional victims were identified and interviewed. Since Priest's arrest, a possible fifth victim has come forward.

Investigators believe the alleged crimes may have taken place during children's sleepovers at Priest's residence.

Priest is employed as a firefighter and emergency medical technician at Sacramento International Airport. He has been placed on administrative leave by the County of Sacramento which operates the airport.

Last year Folsom police looked into a report that Priest sexually molested a child. An investigation was unable to substantiate the accusation, so no charges were filed. However, detective said today they are reopening that investigation.

Neighbors on the Folsom street where Priest lives said they are stunned. They said the children on the street play together all of the time. They added it is very disturbing that a firefighter, a public safety servant, is alleged to have committed such crimes.

Harold Young, the father of a 9-year-old boy who lives just a few doors down from the Priest home, said, "It makes me feel better about being overprotective."

The Folsom Police Department has asked that anyone with knowledge of any possible illict activites involving Priest to contact their hotline at (916) 930-1098.

Priest is being held in Sacramento County Jail on $600,000 bond.


Copyright 2007
News10/KXTV
. All Rights Reserved.

Created: 1/12/2006 12:16:05 PM

Updated: 1/13/2006 2:17:05 PM

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