William Richardson Accused of Sexually Assaulting Young Girl during Sunday School

WTSP
October 31, 2013

http://www.wtsp.com/news/local/article/342803/8/Deputies-Man-accused-of-assaulting-girl-in-Sunday-School

[with video]

A man is facing charges of sexually abusing a girl during Sunday school classes, detectives said.

Hillsborough County Sheriff's deputies arrested 47-year-old William A. Richardson II at his home on Lakewood Drive in Brandon.

He's facing the death penalty for charges he sexually battered an 11-year-old girl during Sunday school at First Baptist Church of Mango in Seffner.

Richardson is also accused of molesting the girl when she was 9 or 10 years old and sheriff's spokesman Larry McKinnon said fondling may have happened multiple times during the past three years.

Detectives say Richardson said things that made it clear he had committed the sexual battery during a phone call with the victim that deputies were listening in on.

Deputies say he is an associate youth pastor and choir director, but church staff tell 10 News he is only a youth volunteer, and not a paid employee.

In a news release, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office says detectives have been investigating the allegations since they were first reported a week ago.

The release says, "These incidents reportedly occurred during Sunday school service at the First Baptist Church of Mango at 11619 E. Dr. MLK Blvd in Seffner where Richardson is the Assistant Youth Ministries/Choir Director."

McKinnon said detectives are still trying to determine exactly how this went undetected for years, happening at times when the church was busy with people and activities.

Detectives say they don't know of anyone else who may have been victimized, but they are asking any potential victims or anyone who may know more to come forward and contact the sheriff's office at (813) 247-8200.

Because his alleged victim is under the age of 12 and he is over the age of 17, the sexual battery charge he faces is a capital felony in Florida and Richardson may be executed if he's convicted. He's facing felony molestation charges, as well.

No one was at the church when our 10 News crew arrived early Thursday morning.