By Jerry Jordan, Editor
Former NASCAR Truck Series driver Rick Crawford was found guilty by an Orlando jury following a three-day trial on a single charge of “knowingly” enticing a minor for the purposes of child prostitution.
After responding to a Craigslist ad for “taboo” sex, Crawford agreed to pay between $50 and $75 to have sex with what he believed would be the 12-year-old daughter of the person he was messaging. That person turned out to be John McElyea, a undercover agent with the FBI’s Violation Against Children Task Force.
According to the evidence presented at trial, “on February 28, 2018, when Crawford arrived at the agreed location to have sex with the girl, he was arrested by federal agents. During a search of Crawford, agents found that he was carrying $80 and had a condom in his pants pocket. The agents also searched Crawford’s truck, finding an emergency contraceptive pill, massage oil, a phallic device, a sexual performance enhancement pill, adult pornography, a DVD player, and condoms. In addition, the agents found Crawford’s cellphone, which was searched. The cellphone contained the emails and text messages between Crawford and the undercover officer acting as the father of a 12-year-old child.
“Crawford also indicated that he wanted the child to be nude or wearing something with ‘easy access’ at the time of the meeting.”
CLICK FOR PDF: USDOJ Press Release-Crawford
Federal statute mandates that Crawford will spend a mandatory minimum of 10 years in federal prison but hat sentence could be extended up to life behind bars.
“Whoever, using the mail or any facility or means of interstate or foreign commerce, or within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States knowingly persuades, induces, entices, or coerces any individual who has not attained the age of 18 years, to engage in prostitution or any sexual activity for which any person can be charged with a criminal offense, or attempts to do so, shall be fined under this title and imprisoned not less than 10 years or for life,” according to 18 U.S.C. 2422 (b).
Crawford must now wait for the federal courts to provide a pre-sentence investigation report before he finds out his fate. That sentencing hearing will be held on November 26, 2018.
This man IS a danger to society and especially children and should be put away for as long as possible. His behavior, and intentions are disgusting and unsafe in any neighborhood.
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