Warrant Issued For Man Accused of Sexually Assaulting 4 Year Old

By: Morgan Demmel Email

Updated: Tue 9:52 PM, Jan 03, 2012

Police say the man accused of sexually assaulting a young girl at Riverbend Apartments is already behind bars.

An arrest warrant has been filed in Hall County Court for the man police say sexually assaulted a 4-year-old girl at Riverbend Apartments in October. His charges include first degree sexual assault of a child under 12-years-old, kidnapping and first degree assault.

Grand Island Police say Abraham D. Richardson, 26, is already incarcerated for separate charges and is "no longer a threat to the public."

The October 2, 2011 sexual assault left complex residents in shock.

Brandon James has lived at Riverbend Apartments for 8 months.

"I have a 10-year-old daughter and she comes and visits me and we come swim here, and walk around the park and I wanted to feel safe and I was just really hoping that they capture him," James says.

That hope has become reality.

Grand Island Police Chief Steve Lamken says Richardson is currently in custody facing federal charges for possession of child pornography.

Authorities arrested him for those charges on October 20. Riverbend Apartment residents say this announcement brings a sigh of relief.

"I'm glad they apprehended him," James says. "I'll have a better peace of mind and I'll be able to sleep at night."

Officials say a lengthy examination of physical evidence caused the delay in releasing details of the sexual assault case.

Lamken says GIPD officials were unable to publicly speak about the specifics of the investigation and thanked the Grand Island community for its patience over the past three months.

"We know this crime weighed heavily on our community and understand there has been widespread community concern," Lamken says.

Lamken says he's not sure when Richardson will be back in Grand Island for his arraignment.

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