Brandon Youth Minister Accused of Sexually Battering Girl

Tampa Bay Times
October 31, 2013

http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/crime/brandon-youth-minister-arrested-on-sexual-battery-charge/2150096

Hillsborough County deputies say William A. Richardson II, 47, of Brandon first molested a girl during Sunday school classes at the First Baptist Church of Mango in Seffner in 2010, when she was between nine and 10 years old.

A youth minister was arrested Wednesday on charges he sexually battered a girl several times during Sunday school classes.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's office said the abuse began when the girl was as young as 9 and continued until she was 11.

William A. Richardson II, 47, of Brandon first molested the girl in 2010 during Sunday school at First Baptist Church of Mango in Seffner, deputies said. The abuse happened again at least once this year during Sunday school, deputies said.

Richardson is the assistant youth ministries and choir director at the church, according to the Sheriff's Office.

The incidents were reported on Oct. 22, deputies said, and after an investigation Richardson was arrested at his home Wednesday on charges of sexual battery and lewd molestation. He was booked into the Hillsborough County Jail, where he was held without bail.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement records do not show any previous arrest for Richardson in the state.

Detectives said Thursday they are not aware of any other alleged victims, but asked that anyone who may have been abused by Richardson or who has information to contact the Sheriff's Office at (813) 247-8200.