Federal grand jury indicts IMPD sergeant charged in child porn case
Oct 11, 2024
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.
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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