Holdenville teacher under FBI investigation for child sex abuse material
Jan 15, 2025
*WARNING: This article contains details of child sexual abuse and may be difficult for some readers.*HOLDENVILLE, Okla. A Holdenville High School teacher was arrested and is under FBI investigation for possession of child pornography. Cody Richison is an Agricultural teacher and Future Farmers of America (FFA) advisor.Holdenville Public Schools Superintendent Randy Davenport told 2 News that Richison is on administrative leave, saying he could be terminated at a due process hearing with the school board scheduled for Jan. 28.The local FFA chapter did not return 2 News' request for comment on whether he's still involved.Court documents allege Richison received pictures and videos of children being sexually abused from January 2020 through about March 2024. FBI agents were investigating Joseph Sampson, another man accused of possessing child pornography, when they found messages between him and Richison from January 2024. Sampson allegedly asked Richison what the youngest child he'd been with was. To which he replied, a "buddy's foster son" who was 10 years old. Richison also said, "There's a guy in Henryetta that has a 3-4 [year old]," according to court documents. Richison was also reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children tipline after a man, who was allegedly intimate with Richison, confessed to his partner that Richison had child sexual abuse material in his possession. On Dec. 4, 2024, Richison was arrested and FBI agents executed a search warrant at his home. Agents reported finding around 100 pictures and videos of children being sexually abused. The FBI said the children's ages varied but included some as young as infants. The investigation also found that Richison received at least one of the images while being employed as a teacher at Holdenville Public Schools. He had recently talked with a friend about becoming a foster parent, court documents said."It was a shock because nobody knew," Davenport told 2 News. "Even the district attorney didn't know they were coming to arrest him.""Student safety is the number one priority for our school district like it is for every school district," he said. "We try to ensure parents in our community that their children are safeguarded, and we want the very best for our students and our children and to have the best resources and staff to provide educational training for them."Davenport emphasized that the district is "fully cooperating" with the FBI and U.S. Marshals.2 News reached out to the law firm representing Richison for comment. The attorney representing him did not get back to us.Those who have information about any victims of Cody Richison or have any details relevant to this investigation are asked to contact the FBI by emailing [email protected] or report it at tips.fbi.gov.Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere -- Download our free app for Apple, Android and Kindle devices. Sign up for daily newsletters emailed to you Like us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram SUBSCRIBE on YouTube