A man diagnosed with “pedophilic disorder” has been committed to a Missouri mental health facility after multiple prison sentences for child sexual exploitation. Harry Richardson, 47, was successfully committed by the Sexually Violent Predator Unit to the Missouri Department of Mental Health following a single-day bench trial in Ray County.
Richardson, who has been convicted of sexual-related crimes at least three times since 1999, previously pleaded guilty to child molestation and was sentenced to three years in prison. After his release, he engaged in online communication with individuals he believed to be underage, leading to convictions for enticement of a child. Despite being offered sex offender treatment multiple times, he never completed it and made inappropriate comments during sessions.
The AG’s Office noted that Richardson will receive treatment in a secure mental health facility for dangerous sex offenders. He will also be under lifetime supervision with the Missouri Department of Corrections. The SVP Unit seeks civil commitment for sexual predators with a mental abnormality that makes them likely to commit sexually violent acts if not contained.
AG Andrew Bailey emphasized the importance of protecting the community from predatory individuals like Richardson. The commitment to the mental health facility ensures that he receives the necessary treatment and supervision to prevent future offenses.
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