Man charged with hiring prostitute for young boy

The Virginian-Pilot, By STEVE STONE, Virginia, U.S.A., May 1, 2005

SUFFOLK - Police have charged a 58-year-old man with hiring a prostitute for a 15-year-old relative.

The woman, who police say was paid $13 for her services, has not been located.

The boy remains in the custody of his mother, who went to police after the man asked her to reimburse him.

Lt. Debbie George, a police spokeswoman, said the man, identified as Roy Lee Richardson, was arrested Friday after he surrendered to police.

An indictment was handed down by a grand jury on Wednesday, charging Richardson with crimes against nature, conspiracy to commit a felony, solicitation to commit a felony and taking indecent liberties with a child in a custodial or supervisory relationship.

Richardson's relationship to the boy was being withheld by police in an effort to protect the youth's identity.

The incident occurred in mid-March at Richardson's former residence in the 100 block of Tynes Street in the downtown area. His current address was not released Saturday.

The youth's mother was not in the residence when the incident occurred and was apparently unaware of what had happened, George said, until Richardson came to her asking for money.

The man's motive for procuring a prostitute for a juvenile was unclear. The man said he was intoxicated at the time, George said.

After the indictment was handed down, police started looking for Richardson. But he turned himself in at a magistrate's office. He remained in jail over the weekend.

"We are still actively trying to learn the identity of the prostitute who was involved," George said. She may face charges.

Anyone with information on her identity or whereabouts is asked to call Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP (562-5887).