ERIE, Kan. (KOAM) — A federal judge charged an Erie, Kansas, man for allegedly trying to arrange a meeting to sexually abuse a child.

The FBI, alongside other agencies, launched an investigation into possible child abuse after a concerned citizen filed a complaint against a Missouri individual who “expressed a desire for an adult male to sexually abuse” their “minor daughter”.

In June, the FBI interviewed the Missouri individual, who admitted to using different online platforms to discuss sexual abuse of minors.

The individual claimed to have never met up with anyone to sexually abuse a child, nor did they have a minor daughter, and provided their accounts to investigators in hopes of uncovering communication with other users.

The agents found a message thread between the individual and Richard V. Mitchell under the username of “Rick691981”.

Richard V. Mitchell, 63, was convicted in 2002 of Indecent Liberties with a Child in Girard, Kan. Part of his sentence was being a registered sex offender for 25 years. That would have expired in May 2027.

Richard V. Mitchell, 63, was convicted in 2002 of Indecent Liberties with a Child in Girard, Kan. Part of his sentence was being a registered sex offender for 25 years. That would have expired in May 2027.

Richard V. Mitchell, 63, was convicted in 2002 of Indecent Liberties with a Child in Girard, Kan. Part of his sentence was being a registered sex offender for 25 years. That would have expired in May 2027.

Agents could not find any communication between the two before the date of June, 25, 2026, according to court documents. It is believed messages may have been deleted.

Messages between them included having sexual relations with each other and participation by the minor.

Eventually, Mitchell provided the individual with a phone number, where messages and images were sent back and forth until June 28.

On July 7, an FBI agent, logged in as the individual, messaged Mitchell apologizing for the lack of responses.

The agent posing as the individual told Mitchell that they had to move to Kansas City, Missouri, for a new job. Mitchell continued asking to meet the minor.

The agent then told Mitchell that the earliest they could meet would be July 10. They discussed meeting at a park in Erie, Kansas, near his home.

The agent reiterated to Mitchell that the minor was 9-years-old, but Mitchell continued.

After confirming it was Mitchell through cell phone record information and various other sources, the agent agreed to meet with him.

On July 10, Mitchell arrived at the park, and investigators arrested him.

On July 13,Mitchell appeared in federal court on a two-count criminal complaint.

Attempted Enticement of a Minor to Engage in Sexual ActivityOffense by a Registered Sex Offender

Richard V. Mitchell, 63, was convicted in 2002 of Indecent Liberties with a Child in Girard, Kan. Part of his sentence was being a registered sex offender for 25 years. That would have expired in May 2027.

Richard V. Mitchell, 63, was convicted in 2002 of Indecent Liberties with a Child in Girard, Kan. Part of his sentence was being a registered sex offender for 25 years. That would have expired in May 2027.

Richard V. Mitchell, 63, was convicted in 2002 of Indecent Liberties with a Child in Girard, Kan. Part of his sentence was being a registered sex offender for 25 years. That would have expired in May 2027.

Mitchell was convicted in 2002 of Indecent Liberties with a Child in Girard, Kan. Part of his sentence was being a registered sex offender for 25 years. That would have expired in May 2027.