Orem Man Sentenced to 19 Years in Federal Prison After Pleading Guilty to Production of Child Pornography

SALT LAKE CITY—David Morris Richards, age 55, of Orem, will serve 19 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to one count of production of child pornography. U.S. District Judge Dee Benson imposed the sentence Tuesday afternoon. Richards will be on supervised release for life when he finishes his federal sentence.

Richards admitted that he produced visual depictions of sexually explicit conduct involving numerous minors who were under the age of 18. Richards surreptitiously recorded the victims urinating on a pad he had given them using cameras and computer equipment, according to court documents. Investigators say Richards used gifts of money, toys, and candy to coerce the victims into doing what he wanted. He also led the victims to believe he was a police officer.

Richards was indicted on one count of production of child pornography in August 2011 and pleaded guilty to the charge in July. An agreement was reached with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the defendant recommended a 17-year sentence, which was subject to the approval and acceptance of Judge Benson. Federal prosecutors agreed to the 17-year sentence, taking into account the age of the victims and a desire for them not to have to testify at trial if possible. After discussions and negotiations in court Tuesday afternoon, Judge Benson imposed the 19-year sentence.

Judge Benson also ordered Richards to forfeit several pieces of computer equipment and computer storage devices as a part of the sentence.

The case was investigated by the Orem Department of Public Safety and the FBI.