Who is Javontate Richardson? Miami prison guard, 30, caught having sex with female inmate, 15, in CCTV footage
MIAMI, FLORIDA- A 30-year-old Miami guard has been arrested after he allegedly had sex with a minor. Javontate Richardson was working at the Miami Girls Academy Detention Center when the incident occurred. He has since been fired and arrested by the Miami-Dade Schools Police.
The police issued a statement shortly after his arrest, asking for people to come forward with information. The police believe there may be more victims from the facility. The incident came to light after one 15-year-old told her youth care specialist that she had engaged in sex with Richardson on April 5. Her story was corroborated by CCTV footage of the facility, which police said, "confirmed that incident occurred."
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Here's everything we know about Richardson, and the case so far.
Who is Javontate Richardson?
The 30-year-old was working with TrueCore Behavioral Solutions and the contractor running the detention center. The police statement lists his job as a 'Youth Care Worker' with security responsibilities. Richardson was fired by TrueCore on Thursday, April 8, after his arrest, on his way to work.
This is not Richardson's first brush with the law. In 2018 and again in 2019 he was arrested for marijuana possession with intent to sell. In 2014, he was arrested for carrying a concealed firearm. In 2010, he faced two charges for attempting a forged instrument and grand theft, according to Local 10. All of the cases were dropped and he never faced any jail time. Not much is known about Richardson. He does not appear to have a presence on social media, so we could not obtain more information on him.
The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) Inspector General also announced that there will be an investigation into the matter. According to the Daily Mail, the department said, "The actions taken by this individual and the harm caused to this child is inexcusable and unacceptable. This behavior has not and will not be tolerated by DJJ, and it is our expectation that they be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."
Richarson has been charged with sexual battery on a minor and sexual misconduct with an inmate. He is currently being held at Miami-Dade's Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center with no bond. Miami-Dade County Judge Lody Jean denied Richarson's application for bond on Friday, April 9. According to court documents, Richardson pleaded not guilty and demanded a trial by jury. The teen is being provided with medical care and mental health counseling, according to the DJJ.
Anyone with information or who has been involved with Richardson is urged to contact the police at the earliest through the Special Victims Bureau at (305) 715-3300.