Church Volunteer Raped Girl during Sunday School

Fox 13
October 31, 2013

http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/story/23838692/2013/10/31/deputies-choir-director-raped-girl-during-sunday-school

Hillsborough County Sheriff's investigators say in between music lessons and Sunday school, a church volunteer was able to molest a girl for three years without anyone noticing a thing.

It all started in 2010 when the girl was 9 years old. Investigators say William A. Richardson II, 47, of Brandon molested the girl when she was 9 years old, and then sexually battered her when she was 11.

It ended last week when another young girl told an adult. It was not immediately clear whether that girl was also a victim.

During a court appearance Thursday morning, the judge told Richardson that detectives have pretty good evidence against him.

Now, investigators are trying to figure out if there are more victims out there.

"Anytime you have a person of trust in this kind of environment, there's always that potential that exists," said HCSO spokesperson Larry McKinnon.

FOX 13's Hetal Gandhi spoke with Richardson's father this morning, who said he was shocked to hear of the charges and described his son as "very much a Christian man."

He said Richardson spent most of his life in the church, and is an important member of the choir operations. The man's father also said Richardson was not married but had a 20-year-old daughter.

The news has rocked this church community.

Nina Allred is the Youth Director at the First Baptist Church of Mango. She worked side-by-side with Richardson.

She said he was good with the kids, helping them with music lessons, bible study, even kid problems.

"He was very caring. No red flags came up with him," Allred said.

The arrest and charges have left those who know Richardson shaken to their core.

"For something like this to happen is so devastating, and I'm so sorry this happened. You trusted the children with me, and I'm so sorry," Allred said.

Richardson is charged with capital sexual battery on a child under 12.

At this time, detectives are unaware of any additional victims. They say that if anyone is looking to come forward, you can contact them at (813) 247-8200.