Rick Crawford’s child sex case: Trial delayed

Former NASCAR driver, Rick Crawford was charged after soliciting a 12-year-old girl; It was actually an FBI sting operation in Florida

Back in February, Rick Crawford was arrested following in a sting operation in the Orlando, Florida area. The former NASCAR driver allegedly used an online marketplace in a search for sexual activity.

On the other end of the conversation, a man working for the FBI pretended to be the father of a 12 year old girl. That man solicited his fictional underage daughter for sex via Craigslist.

The officer pretending to be the father made it clear to Rick Crawford multiple times that the girl was well under the age of 18. However, despite that, Crawford continued to engage in the conversation over the course of several weeks.

The conversation began online. It was then transferred to text messages.

Crawford: “Love for her to be naked and ready to give head. Then fuck.”

The conversation might be difficult to read, it’s dark. But, the entire soliciting conversation can be read here in the initial report.

On February 28, nearly a month after the conversation began, Rick Crawford went to meet the father and fictional daughter in a parking lot. When the door to the van was opened, the FBI jumped from the vehicle.

Rick Crawford was arrested at the scene and charged with enticement of a minor. A hearing was set for April 19th. The trial was set to begin this week. However, the trial has since been postponed.

After the February arrest, Crawford initially denied that was made aware the girl was 12 years old. He later adjusted that statement and said that he was told but also found it hard to believe she would be that young.

Multiple times, photos of an underage girl were sent to Crawford ahead of the parking lot meeting. Those photos were of a current female police officer from her days well before law enforcement.

Crawford has selected Mark Horwitz as his attorney in the trial. In order for his lawyer to become more familiar with the details of the case the trial date has been pushed back. Horwitz will use the next few months to prepare his case.

The new trial date is set for July 2nd, 2018. The case will be heard in Orlando federal court.

Rick Crawford spent 17 years in the NASCAR Truck Series. He ran 336 races and collected 5 wins. He last race came in 2013.

Links

Seminole County Sheriff

Categories

Tags