235-Month Sentence for Man Who Traveled from Nevada to Oklahoma with Intent to Have Sex with 8-Year-Old Girl

March 17, 2010 - OKLAHOMA CITY—Today, RICHARD ALAN EPPERSON, 57, of Reno, Nevada, was sentenced by United States District Judge Tim Leonard to serve 235 months in federal prison for traveling from Reno, Nevada, to Oklahoma City for the purpose of engaging in sex with an 8-year-old girl, announced Sanford C. Coats, United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma. In addition, Judge Leonard ordered that Epperson serve 15 years of supervised release upon his release from prison.

“We are dedicated to protecting our children from sexual predators, especially those who travel to have sex with children,” said U.S. Attorney Sanford C. Coats. “Federal, state, and local law enforcement remain committed to tracking down, arresting, and prosecuting anyone who commits, or intends to commit, any sexual act with a child."

According to court records, Epperson became acquainted with an Oklahoma City-area woman in spring of 2009 through social networking website for individuals who are interested in unusual sexual experiences. Epperson, using the screen name “Master Richard,” made contact with the woman and stated he was looking for a young girl to “breed.” The woman said she had an 8-year-old daughter. Epperson and the woman began corresponding via e-mail and text message where Epperson explained in explicit detail that he wanted to have sex with the girl and made plans to travel to Oklahoma City. Unbeknownst to Epperson, the woman was cooperating with the FBI, recording her communications with him, and the 8-year-old girl did not exist.

On May 1, 2009, Epperson boarded a Greyhound bus in Reno, Nevada. He arrived in Oklahoma City on May 3, where he was arrested by the FBI. On September 23, 2009, Epperson pled guilty to traveling interstate for the purpose of engaging in sex with a person he believed to be an 8-year-old girl.

This case is a result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Randy Sengel and Brandon Hale.